In just the first few months of 2026, thousands of workers across the country have gone on strike. From healthcare to education to meatpacking, to name a few, employees are seeking higher wages and better terms and conditions of employment. The rise in labor unrest is due to several factors, including an unstable economy marked by ever-increasing costs of living and growing uncertainty about social safety nets. This article discusses the key reasons employees are striking so employers can anticipate what to expect at the bargaining table and hopefully reduce the risk of a work stoppage.
Reasons to Strike in 2026
Chief among the issues driving labor unrest in 2026 is the unstable economy.
- Cost of Living. The prices of staple consumer expenditures such as healthcare, food, and housing have outpaced wage growth for several years. At the same time, use of the term “affordability” has skyrocketed across media and internet search patterns. This backdrop is driving workers to assume the risks inherent in a labor strike, as they push to secure higher wages and keep pace with the rising cost of living.
- Benefits and Retirement. Attempts by employers to raise the cost of insurance premiums and cut pension contributions have clashed with an ongoing rise in health costs and concerns about the future solvency of Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security.
Beyond the traditional culprits of wages and working conditions, the recent uptick in labor unrest is also attributable to a set of broader concerns distinctive to this era.
- Artificial Intelligence: Among its many effects, the rise of automation and AI has led to increased strike activity. The use of AI in patient care decisions was a high-priority topic on both sides of the bargaining table during the recent protracted negotiations between nurses and hospitals in New York.
- Immigration: The presence of federal enforcement officers in workplaces and on college campuses has been at the forefront of many employees’ concerns, driving demand for contractual protection against immigration raids.
- Work-Life Balance: A growing number of employees are seeking more consistent and/or shorter working hours, enhanced sick leave and vacation policies, and more scheduling flexibility. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, requests for remote and hybrid work options have surged, even for roles in nursing and teaching that have historically required complete physical presence.
For employers facing this daunting list of potential issues at the bargaining table, the key to success is to understand the root of what is motivating strike activity. This allows for addressing the most relevant issues directly. We will continue to monitor these developments and provide updates in future articles.
Our Experience in These Areas
The Labor and Employment team at Broadfield U.S. has extensive experience representing employers in collective bargaining, particularly with a workforce on strike. Employers with questions about the current wave of labor unrest or concerns about potential strikes in their workplaces are encouraged to reach out to a member of the team.
