The spring and summer of 2023 may go down in history as a period of unprecedented labor action across the nation. A remarkable surge in work stoppages represented a continuation of labor activity that began in 2021, and the wave of labor action impacted all industries, from education to transportation to entertainment. According to a Gallup poll, pro-union sentiment is higher than it’s been since 1965, with 71% of respondents saying they approve of labor unions.
Those in entertainment and media saw a solidarity among workers that the industry hadn’t experienced in generations. Social media erupted with trending memes and encouragement in the lead-up to the WGA strike, which began on May 2. Throughout the next
several weeks, picket lines would become increasingly festive, and SAG-AFTRA members — along with those from sister unions IATSE and the Teamsters — marched alongside striking writers. When SAG-AFTRA members voted in support of their own strike authorization, with nearly 98% of voting members supporting the referendum, a new wave of enthusiasm spread through the movement.
The tensions between employers and labor highlight the disparity many see when it comes to corporate profits and worker compensation. With the list of pivotal negotiations and striking unions growing longer every day, multiple media outlets declared it would be a “hot labor summer.”
‘UNIONS STRIKE BACK’ RALLY
In the shadow of looming expiration dates for multiple collective bargaining agreements representing core industries in and around Los Angeles, L.A.’s unions assembled on May 26 for the Unions Strike Back Rally and Dance Party in Downtown L.A. near the crypto.com Arena. SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland spoke at the event, saying, “Every worker has a right to a liveable wage and a fair deal!”
WORKERS UNITE!
The solidarity extended across industries, with SAG-AFTRA members and many American workers showing support for those experiencing their own labor disputes. Workers understand that no matter their profession, our basic issues are the same: We deserve a fair wage for our labor, safe working conditions and the ability to do our jobs with dignity.
There were dozens of multiunion rallies and pickets in Los Angeles, New York and nationwide. On July 19, SAG-AFTRA members rallied in Los Angeles alongside Teamsters, who would soon reach a landmark deal with UPS. On July 28, Crabtree-Ireland and longtime activist Jane Fonda spoke at a rally outside of Netflix in solidarity with Starbucks Workers United.
At these events and many others, workers stood strong against exploitation and lifted each other up. And, as the summer wears on, labor only seems to be gaining momentum. This is our time!
This item was originally featured in the SAG-AFTRA summer 2023 magazine.