Articles

It’s no secret that unions and union members will play a critical role in shaping the 2024 Presidential Election. While unions have historically endorsed the Democratic party, former President Donald Trump has been able to draw in working-class voters. So, what is the state of labor ahead of the 2024 election?

• The national unionization rate in 2023 held steady at 10% of the eligible labor force.
• The US has added union members for the second consecutive year.
• The number of unions filing election petitions with the NLRB is up, and the number of workers organizing is the highest since 2014.
• Major strike activity increased by 280% in 2023, demonstrating that unions will strike to improve working conditions and wages.
• Employment has grown faster than total union membership, causing membership rates to fall to their lowest levels in 10 years.
• Workers are organized in industries traditionally considered difficult to unionize, such as technology, retail, logistics, warehouses, online media, professional services, and education.
• Workers 30 and under are far more “union curious” (more likely than older workers to show support for and have uncertainty about unionization).
• Unions are winning control over how employers can use AI technology and how employees should be compensated.
• Workers not historically viewed as ripe for organizing are joining unions.
• It’s the first time since the 1970s that new labor organizations are being formed (i.e., Amazon Labor Union, which has merged with the Teamsters).
• The UAW is actively organizing auto facilities and current electric vehicle plants. Success at these employers would represent significant growth that would have a ripple effect across the labor market.