WCPO: Strong economy contributes to labor strikes
UC economist says unions have used leverage granted by low unemployment numbers
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.
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.
Featured image at top: Labor union on strike picketing signs resting on a wall. Photo/Martin Chavez via iStock
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Further action is required to make this image accessible
One of the below criteria must be satisfied:
- Add image alt tag OR
- Mark image as decorative
The image will not display on the live site until the issue above is resolved.
Related Stories
President Pinto’s 2nd glow party brings first-year Bearcats together
September 20, 2026
UC President Neville Pinto and team hosted the second annual Bright Beginnings glow party for first-year students
How phone scammers use your own voice against you
September 18, 2026
The Wall Street Journal recently did a deep dive on how artificial intelligence is making scamming people over the phone much easier, citing research by Kimberly Hyun, assistant professor of marketing at UC’s Lindner College of Business.
Gas prices spike... Again
September 18, 2026
UC economist Gary Painter goes through the tactics companies use to keep their consumer bases amid rising oil costs.