A recent study by the Economic Policy Institute reflected on how American workers feel about unions. The survey found that 59% of those surveyed across all sectors support unionization. Further, while in 2000 only 25% of Americans supported unionization, which was a record low, today, 43% of Americans now want unions, which is a record high. Despite this, there has not been a surge in unionization due to various obstacles.
Employer Opposition and Legislative Flaws
One of the greatest challenges to unionization is employer opposition. Employers view unionization as bringing higher costs. Regarding legislative obstacles, the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) governs private-sector labor law in the United States since it was enacted on July 5, 1935. This law actually weakened unions and effectively resulted in workers being denied the right to unionize and to collective bargain. Additionally, there are several states that are anti-union and launch attacks on workers looking to unionize.
Current Market
In 2023, there were 16.2 million U.S. workers represented by unions. Within the private sector, unionization increased by 261,000, up from 6.8% to 6.9%. Manufacturing, transportation, warehousing, private education and private health care and social assistance saw the largest increases. The public sector saw a decline in union workers, dropping by 70,000 going from 36.8% to 36.0%.
Across different states, there are differences in unionization rates. Here’s a look at how unionization stands in various states:
- Highest union rates were in Hawaii (25.6%), New York (21.5%), Washington (18.1%), New Jersey (17.3%), Connecticut (16.9%), and California (16.9%).
- Lowest union rates were found in South Carolina (2.7%), North Carolina (3.6%), South Dakota (4.2%), Arizona (4.8%), and Louisiana (5.2%).
- The states with the largest increases in the number of workers represented by unions in 2023 were Florida (+67,000), New Jersey (+63,000), Texas (+58,000), Pennsylvania (+55,000), and Virginia (+51,000).
Strikes Rising
Along with union movements, strikes are on the rise. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ monthly data (BLS 2023) showed the numbers who went on strike increased. Among these workers were autoworkers, Hollywood writers, and Disney World workers. The year also saw union contracts ratified for members, as well as non-union workers in companies like Ford and General Motors through the United Auto Workers unions. The new contract included pay increases ranging from 30% to 160%.
Unions will continue to have a strong place in America’s workforce due valuable benefits provided to members, including high quality health benefits.
