“Striketober 2.0” – The Resurgence of Labor Power in 2023
In October 2021, the United States witnessed an unprecedented wave of labor strikes that earned the moniker “Striketober.” It was a defining moment in the post-pandemic era, as workers, both union and non-union, from various sectors flexed their collective muscle during the Great Resignation. Fast forward to 2023, and it seems like Striketober has returned with even greater force, as the labor movement gains momentum.
Back in October 2021, ABC News captured the essence of Striketober, as the country grappled with a worker revolt during the Great Resignation. Employees across the nation, emboldened by the pandemic’s reflection period, were demanding more from their employers. Union strikes, in particular, took center stage, with Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations’ tracker reporting 185 official union strikes at 255 locations. This included significant actions by 10,000 John Deere workers and 32,000 Kaiser Permanente employees, who authorized a strike that was narrowly averted.
Two years on, the scene is set, and Striketober 2.0 is in full swing. The numbers tell the story – according to Cornell’s strike tracker, there have already been 304 strikes across 499 locations in the U.S. in 2023, surpassing the 2021 figures. Workers across the nation have chosen October as the month to assert their rights and press for better conditions.
A resounding blow to the status quo was struck by 75,000 union Kaiser Permanente employees who undertook a three-day strike last week, marking the largest strike of healthcare workers in U.S. history. Hospitals in multiple states were impacted, and these workers continue to stand without a contract agreement. Their coalition of unions has even threatened further strikes if their demands are not met promptly.
The echoes of labor discontent reverberate in the automobile industry, with around 25,000 United Auto Workers still on strike against automotive giants Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis since September 15. The specter of a nationwide strike looms large, involving all 146,000 members employed by the Big Three, should negotiations remain stagnant.
Meanwhile, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), representing 160,000 members, including some of Hollywood’s most renowned actors, remains on strike since July, underscoring the enduring resolve of the entertainment industry to secure their rightful share.
And the striking phenomenon doesn’t stop here. With three weeks remaining in October, the labor world braces itself for more action. The Culinary Union, Nevada’s largest labor organization representing Las Vegas hospitality workers, has voted to authorize a strike. This could result in an additional 40,000 casino employees walking off the job, adding to the chorus of voices demanding better conditions and fair treatment.
Striketober 2.0 is not just a reflection of the times but a testament to the enduring spirit of workers. The convergence of labor strikes across diverse industries sends a powerful message – the American workforce is awake, aware, and unafraid to stand up for their rights. It’s a call for fair wages, safe working conditions, and respect for the invaluable contributions of the labor force. The stage is set, and the show goes on, as Striketober 2.0 reminds us that when workers unite, they hold the power to effect change and reshape the landscape of labor rights in the United States.
