Labor strikes in 2023 highest since 2000: Department of Labor

The 2023 disputes saw 458,900 workers participate.

By Ben Whedon

Published: February 21, 2024 3:23pm

Labor strikes and lockouts reached a 23-year high in 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Last year, the United Auto Workers union staged a major strike against the Detroit Three firms, resulting in the conclusion of contracts with Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis (Chrysler). It was far from the only labor dispute, however, with the healthcare and education industries witnessing substantive work stoppages as well.

In total, the BLS recorded 33 strikes or lockouts last year, according to Politico, the largest number of such developments since the 39 in 2000. The 2023 disputes also saw 458,900 workers participate. By contrast, just 120,600 laborers participated in strikes or walkouts during 2022.

Another major strike was that of the Writers Guild of America, which persisted for several months.

BLS data did not distinguish between strikes or walkouts and included any development involving at least 1,000 workers that lasted at least a full shift.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.