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WCPO: Strong economy contributes to labor strikes

UC economist says unions have used leverage granted by low unemployment numbers

headshot of Kyle Shaner By Kyle Shaner
2 minute read December 11, 2023

Workers in several industries have gone on strike in 2023, WCPO reported, which a University of Cincinnati economist said can be at least partially attributed to the strength of the labor market.

Headshot of a man in a suit

Nick Williams, PhD, associate professor, Department of Economics

Nick Williams, PhD, associate professor of economics in UC's Carl H. Lindner College of Business, said the nation's low unemployment rate means workers have leverage in contract negotiations.

“Unions have given a lot back over the last 20 years,” Williams said. “Now they’re trying to get some of what they gave back.”

While unions have received a lot of attention in the past year, union membership is at record lows. Union members made up just over 10% of the national workforce in 2022.

It's unclear how the gains made by unions will affect non-union employees or how future negotiations will be affected by changes to the economy, Williams said.

See more from WCPO.

Featured image at top: Labor union on strike picketing signs resting on a wall. Photo/Martin Chavez via iStock

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