Why 2023 has been the year of strikes and labor movements

From Hollywood to auto factories, workers are taking to the picket lines

A 'Proud Union Home' sign
2023 has seen a massive uptick in strikes and labor walkouts
(Image credit: Jim Vondruska/Getty Images)

The picket lines are picking up steam in 2023. From Hollywood to auto factories, hotels to hospitals, this year has seen a resurgence in strikes. 

While every strike has had unique goals, there is a common thread throughout almost all of them: a push for higher wages. As the pay of executives in the C-suites continues to rise as other wages stagnate, the growing wealth disparity has led to calls for a more equitable distribution of profits. 

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Justin Klawans, The Week US

 Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other Hollywood news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.