V Kumar 
(C): twitter
Across 2025, employees worldwide have walked off the job over stagnant pay, eroding benefits, unsafe conditions, and unchecked automation, especially amid soaring living costs.
From defense factories to airlines, workers have united to demand fair compensation, dignity, and protections, forcing corporations into high-stake labor battles that echo far beyond picket lines.
1. Boeing Defense Workers – St. Louis & Mascoutah, USA
Approximately 3,200 defense machinists went on strike on August 3, rejecting a contract that offered a 20% raise and bonuses. They argued the deal failed to reflect their critical defense work on F-15 and F/A-18 fighter jets. The main reasons included job recognition, inflation-adjusted pay, and job security. The strike disrupted military production immediately.
- Duration: Ongoing since August 3
- Reason: Contract rejection over inadequate job recognition, wage fairness, and benefits.
2. Pratt & Whitney Machinists – Connecticut, USA
Nearly 3,000 machinists walked out on May 5 at East Hartford and Middletown plants, halting military and commercial engine production. Workers opposed minimal wage hikes and rising healthcare costs, despite corporate profits. The strike ended after three weeks, winning a stronger contract with better wage progression and benefits.
- Duration: 3 weeks (May 5–May 27)
- Reason: Unacceptable wage offers and increased healthcare costs amid strong company profits.
3. Oregon Nurses Association – Providence Health, USA
Over 5,000 nurses and clinicians began striking on January 10, citing unsafe staffing, poor wages, and reduced benefits. The longest healthcare strike in Oregon’s history severely disrupted services across eight facilities. After 46 days, workers won wage increases, retroactive pay, and stronger staffing guarantees.
- Duration: 46 days (Jan 10–Feb 24)
- Reason: Understaffing, expired contract, stagnant wages, and loss of in-network coverage.
4. Boeing Commercial Machinists – Seattle Region, USA
Although initiated in late 2024, this strike influenced early 2025 significantly. Over 33,000 machinists halted production of 737s and 777s over outsourcing fears, health care cost increases, and wage stagnation. The 53-day strike concluded in November 2024 but sparked labor activism that echoed into 2025 negotiations.
- Duration: 53 days (Sep 13–Nov 4, 2024; spillover effects in 2025)
- Reason: Outsourcing concerns, insufficient raises, and increased healthcare contributions.
5. Heathrow British Airways Cleaners – London, UK
In mid-2025, outsourced cleaners protested substandard wages far below the London Living Wage. Despite being contracted to a flagship airline, they earned under £12/hour. Their walkouts pressured contractors and British Airways to improve terms. The public outcry brought attention to wage disparities in aviation support services.
- Duration: Several days (rolling actions mid-year)
- Reason: Poverty pay, unfair scheduling, and lack of wage parity with London standards.
6. Glasgow Airport Staff – Scotland, UK
Airport workers threatened to strike over a 2.7% pay offer during summer travel peak. The potential disruption forced management to concede a 4% raise and £500 bonus, avoiding a shutdown. Their swift negotiation boosted morale and triggered labor talks in Scotland’s wider transport industry.
- Duration: Resolved in days without full strike
- Reason: Insufficient wage increase offer in face of inflation and worker discontent.
7. Fenway Park Concession Workers – Boston, USA
Concession staff staged a rare walkout at the iconic stadium during a Red Sox-Dodgers game. Workers protested wages below $20/hour, poor tip structures, and looming automation threats. With sales halted, the action drew attention to the underpaid workforce behind sports entertainment. Talks with Aramark began soon after.
- Duration: 2–3 days during the July game series
- Reason: Low pay, lack of tip transparency, and job insecurity due to automation.
8. FlySafair Pilots – South Africa
Pilots at one of Africa’s fastest-growing budget carriers launched a strike demanding a 10.5% raise and fairer rosters. The walkout affected 12–13% of flights and forced cancellations across major routes. The airline responded with a temporary lockout before entering mediation.
- Duration: Several weeks of flight disruptions
- Reason: Salary increases demands and opposition to harmful scheduling practices.
9. University of California Staff – California, USA
Tens of thousands of healthcare and support workers across UC campuses went on strike in early 2025. The university’s sudden hiring freeze and overworked staff pushed unions to act. The administration eventually reversed the freeze and committed to negotiating new contracts.
- Duration: Several weeks (early 2025)
- Reason: Surprise hiring freeze and unsafe understaffing in critical departments.
10. United Auto Workers vs. Lockheed Martin & General Dynamics – USA
On May Day, UAW workers walked out from major defense contractors over wage inequality and record executive bonuses. The brief but powerful strike ignited national attention and solidarity from other labor sectors. It pushed both firms to the bargaining table.
- Duration: 1 day (May 1)
- Reason: Stagnant wages and excessive executive compensation despite rising defense profits.
