Worker Wins Boost Union Membership by 139,000 in 2023

TL/DR -

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported a rise in union membership by 139,000 in 2023, primarily under the age of 45 in the private sector. The report states that over 900,000 union members won significant wage increases through new contracts last year. Despite corporate efforts to thwart unionization, which include spending over $400 million per year on union-busting consultants, the progress in union density and worker rights is expected to continue, especially as the AFL-CIO's Center for Transformational Organizing strategizes and invests in emerging sectors.

Annual Union Density Report Reveals Growth in Union Membership

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) announced a growth in union membership by 139,000 in 2023, according to its annual union density report. The private sector saw an increase of 191,000 members, primarily under the age of 45, attributable to more than 900,000 union members securing double-digit wage increases from new contracts last year.

“The growing interest in union membership is a direct result of workers' frustration with low wages, limited benefits, and lack of respect at work. Despite union density remaining stable in 2023, it does not reflect the rising momentum we are witnessing this year. Workers across various sectors and locations are joining unions, even amidst aggressive union-blocking campaigns by large corporations,” says AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler.

Recent polls indicate a 71% support for unions among Americans, a record-high in almost 60 years. The support grows to 88% among young people. The BLS data also confirms the difference unions make in wages, which is sparking increased interest among workers seeking representation at work.

“Employers should not intimidate or harass workers wanting to join unions. Corporations invest over $400 million annually on anti-union consultants to disrupt worker organizing. Wealthy corporate leaders like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos are known for actively trying to suppress their employees' voices at the workplace.” adds Shuler.

The labor movement is more determined to ensure every worker wanting to join a union gets a fair chance. The organizing rate is at its highest in years, thanks to new federal investments in emerging sectors by the Biden administration. This has created more opportunities for workers to secure good union jobs.

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