"2023: The Year Unions Struck Gold and Set the Stage for Labor's Future"

In 2023, blue-collar workers in the U.S. experienced significant wage gains and successful labor strikes, defying early recession predictions. With over 525,000 workers striking, it became one of the largest strike years since 1990. Tight labor markets led employers to offer better wages and benefits rather than risk losing staff. Notable strikes included those by UAW, Hollywood screenwriters, actors, and healthcare workers, resulting in substantial wage increases and improved working conditions. Despite high inflation, the labor market remained strong, with low unemployment and wage growth outpacing inflation, particularly benefiting lower-wage earners. The labor movement's resurgence reflects workers' response to pandemic risks and stagnant wages, despite a long-term decline in union membership.