In 2023, the American labor scene saw a significant boost, with high-profile strikes in Hollywood and even President Biden making history by joining a picket line during a major auto workers’ strike. Despite these victories, there’s a persistent challenge: turning this newfound popularity into an actual increase in union membership, which has been stuck at the same levels for years.
The latest stats from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that, overall, the percentage of unionized workers in 2023 stayed at 10%, with around 14.4 million workers being union members. However, the share of workers represented by a union dipped slightly from 11.3% to 11.2% of the total workforce.
Heidi Shierholz, president of the Economic Policy Institute, points out the oddity of unions gaining more attention while the actual membership figures don’t reflect the same momentum. Surveys consistently show growing public support for unions, but the actual number of members hasn’t seen a significant uptick.
Even though 2023 was dubbed a transformative year for worker movements, only certain groups, like young workers, workers of color, and those in the high-tech industry, have experienced improvements in private sector union membership. Notably, workers of color contributed to the entire increase in unionization in 2023.
The persisting challenges lie in outdated labor laws, with experts advocating for substantial changes to fortify workers’ rights. The National Labor Relations Act is criticized for its inadequacy in safeguarding the right to organize, and various states present barriers to union formation.
Despite positive strides in 2023, around 31 states and the District of Columbia reported union membership rates below the national average, highlighting disparities in union presence. Tactics such as restricting union dues payment methods and limiting negotiation topics further weaken unions.
Looking forward, experts believe that tackling labor law issues is paramount for increasing union membership. There’s a clear demand for more opportunities for unionization, as research indicates a growing willingness among non-union workers to vote for a union if given the chance. However, the current landscape of labor laws poses significant hurdles to meeting this demand.
In summary, while 2023 was a standout year for labor movements, transforming the buzz into substantial membership growth necessitates addressing the structural issues in labor laws and creating a more supportive environment for unions.
