4 things to know on Labor Day — from the Hot Labor Summer to the Hollywood strikes

 

This Labor Day, one thing's for sure: Organized labor is on the move.

Unions have already notched some big wins this year, including at UPS — and they are looking for more, with writers and actors striking in Hollywood and the United Auto Workers union playing hardball in contract negotiations with the Big 3 automakers.

And now, organized labor feels like they have their winds at their back. A tight job market has given workers increased bargaining power, polls show public support for unions is high, and the Biden administration is on their side.

There are big obstacles though. Unionizing efforts face stiff opposition from many employers and there's still considerable uncertainty about the economic outlook.

Here are four things to know about the state of the labor market on Labor