Labor Unions Gain Power as Strikes Multiply and Workers Score Wins

The U.S. has lost seven million workdays to walkouts so far this year, the most in more than two decades2. Labor unions are exerting clout not seen in decades, winning big pay increases and better benefits in industries beset with worker shortages4. The strikes are working, and Americans are walking off the job at a rate not seen in years12. The United Auto Workers (UAW) has joined the wave of union strikes looking for big wins167. The UAW's strike strategy is to start small and keep 'em guessing67. The biggest reason for the strikes is that workers are demanding better pay and working conditions124. The strikes have sparked controversy and have led to calls for greater transparency and accountability in the labor market124.

Key facts from the story:

• The U.S. has lost seven million workdays to walkouts so far this year, the most in more than two decades2.
• Labor unions are exerting clout not seen in decades, winning big pay increases and better benefits in industries beset with worker shortages4.
• The strikes are working, and Americans are walking off the job at a rate not seen in years12.
• The United Auto Workers (UAW) has joined the wave of union strikes looking for big wins167.
• The UAW's strike strategy is to start small and keep 'em guessing67.
• The biggest reason for the strikes is that workers are demanding better pay and working conditions124.
• The strikes have sparked controversy and have led to calls for greater transparency and accountability in the labor market124.