Catherwood LibraryILR School

Union activity and labor activism in the United States has steadily increased in 2023, with thousands of workers going on strike and picketing to demand greater wages and increased benefits. In August alone, over 4 million work days were lost due to strike action, a rate double any monthly rate since 2000. Workers across various sectors want new union contracts that will increase wages to match the rising costs of living, improve working conditions, and add more employee benefits. Many of the lost work days are from the actors and writers on strike in Hollywood, as well as striking workers in the transportation and service industries. As the number of workers striking increases, the public’s support of unions also increases, with over two-thirds of Americans being in favor of labor unions.