2023 Labor Strikes Surge: Hollywood and Detroit Walkouts Signal a New Era of Union Power
Explore the rising wave of labor strikes in 2023, dubbed the 'summer of strikes,' highlighting major walkouts in Hollywood and Detroit. Understand the historical context, public support trends, and economic impact of these union movements.
In 2023, the United States has witnessed a remarkable surge in labor strikes, earning this period the nickname 'summer of strikes.' High-profile walkouts in Hollywood and the looming threat of strikes in Detroit underscore a broader trend rather than an isolated spike in union activity.
Key Insights
- 2023 continues a multi-year increase in labor strikes, with significant disruptions across various industries.
- Union actions have been steadily rising since 2009, reflecting growing worker activism.
- Public approval of unions has reached its highest levels in decades, though political divides influence support.
Strike Activity in 2023: Numbers and Trends
From January through August 2023, 252 strikes commenced nationwide, approaching the total of 414 strikes recorded throughout 2022, according to the Cornell-ILR Labor Action Tracker. Among these, 16 qualify as major work stoppages involving over 1,000 workers each, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics' preliminary data.
Historical Context: From a Low in 2009 to Renewed Momentum
Labor strikes hit a historic low during the Great Recession, with only five major stoppages in 2009. However, as economic conditions improved, union activity gradually increased, reaching a 35-year peak in 2018 and 2019 with record numbers of workers involved in strikes, according to the Economic Policy Institute.
Although the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily slowed labor actions, 2023 has seen a resurgence, matching strike rates last seen in 2019, the highest since 2001.
Comparing Today’s Strikes to Past Union Highs
While the current strike volume is significant compared to the past decade, it remains modest relative to the mid-20th century peak, when annual major work stoppages averaged around 211 and reached a record 470 in 1952.
Growing Public Support for Unions
Public approval of labor unions reached 67% in 2023, according to Gallup, maintaining a seven-year streak above 60%, a level unseen since the 1960s. This marks a substantial rebound from a low of 48% approval in 2009.
Political Perspectives on Union Support
Union approval varies across political lines, with 88% of Democrats, 69% of independents, and 47% of Republicans expressing support in 2023, highlighting partisan differences in attitudes toward labor organizations.
Major Strikes Shaping 2023
The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), representing around 160,000 members, has been on strike for over 100 days, significantly impacting Hollywood productions.
The United Auto Workers (UAW), with approximately 150,000 members, authorized a potential strike starting September 14 if negotiations with Detroit’s Big Three automakers—General Motors, Stellantis, and Ford—fail, risking a $5.6 billion economic impact.
Additionally, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants has authorized a strike against American Airlines, potentially disrupting one of the nation’s largest carriers.
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