Factbox-From Detroit Three to healthcare, US labor unions flex muscle
By Mrinalika Roy
(Reuters) — A tight U.S. labor market, the expiry of union contracts and high living costs have led to tough negotiations for pay hikes and benefits, triggering strikes and protests across industries.
Nearly 309,700 workers have been involved in work stoppages and strikes through August this year, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, putting 2023 on track to becoming the busiest year for strikes since 2019.
Here are some sectors and companies that faced tough negotiations in 2023:
MEDIA
Members of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) approved a new three-year contract with major studios on Oct. 9. Film and television writers had walked off the job in May over compensation, staffing and residual payments, among other issues. They went back to work on Sept. 27 after negotiators reached a tentative agreement.
In July, the SAG-AFTRA actors union joined the writers on picket lines, and it remains on strike. Negotiators for striking Hollywood actors met with representatives of major studios, television networks and streaming services this week and said negotiations will resume on Oct. 11.
AUTOMOTIVE
The United Auto Workers (UAW) union has expanded its ongoing strike against the Detroit Three automakers — General Motors (NYSE:GM), Ford Motor (NYSE:F) and Chrysler parent Stellantis (NYSE:STLA). The coordinated strike, which began after the earlier contracts expired on Sept. 15, initially targeted three assembly plants in Michigan, Ohio and Missouri.
Union workers at Volvo (OTC:VLVLY) Group-owned Mack Trucks went on strike on Oct. 9 after overwhelmingly rejecting a proposed five-year contract.
PARCEL DELIVERY
Teamsters union workers at United Parcel Service (NYSE:UPS)
ratified
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