Union Membership Grows Despite Anti-Worker Attacks, Reports BLS

Union Membership Sees Resurgence Amid Challenges

In a landscape where working individuals face significant challenges from wealthy anti-labor entities, union membership is seeing a noteworthy rise, particularly within the public sector.

The latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report on union membership highlights this trend. The report aligns with Gallup survey results that indicate strong public support for unions, demonstrating growth in union membership across the United States despite an administration perceived as antagonistic toward workers' rights.

According to AFSCME President Lee Saunders, the findings underscore the "power of the union difference."

“Despite unrelenting attacks on working people, public service workers are organizing, securing strong contracts, expanding collective bargaining and building power in workplaces and communities,” Saunders noted in a press release.

AFSCME, one of the leading public service unions, reported a 5% increase in its membership in 2025, attributed to significant victories nationwide. This progress is a direct result of proactive worker engagement. Notable developments include:

• The Cultural Workers United initiative by AFSCME has expanded to over 50,000 members across major museums and libraries.
• In Colorado, county workers are forming unions following a 2022 law that secured their collective bargaining rights, a law they played a key role in establishing.
• In Virginia, AFSCME members were instrumental in electing pro-labor officials who are currently striving to enhance collective bargaining rights for most public sector employees.
• AFSCME members in Utah, alongside labor allies, successfully overturned an initiative that would have revoked union rights for public workers.

These achievements span diverse political landscapes and varying workplace sizes, indicating a broad and increasing support for labor unions.

Saunders emphasized that workers are at the forefront of advocating for an economy that prioritizes families.

“As corporations and billionaires continue to raise costs on everything from groceries to health care, workers understand that joining a union gives them the strength in numbers they need to fight for what they’ve earned, protect their freedoms and build a better future for their families,” he stated.