AFSCME Reports Growth in Union Membership and Improved Worker Benefits

The Facts -

  • AFSCME gains tens of thousands of new members after strong organizing.
  • Unionized workplaces offer higher wages and better benefits, says BLS.
  • Union benefits are crucial for women and workers of color to close pay gaps.


The latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) highlights a significant trend in union membership and earnings, especially as AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees) reports a notable increase in its ranks. This development is attributed to diverse sectors such as health care, emergency response, public safety, and the cultural sector, where new local chapters have been established.

Union Growth Amid Challenges

With thousands of workers joining AFSCME, the union's growth is seen as a victory in a landscape where anti-union forces are reportedly attempting to curb such progress. Lee Saunders, AFSCME President, emphasized the importance of this growth in a statement, noting that organizing in a union provides workers with the opportunity to "secure a better future."

Impact on Wages and Benefits

According to the BLS report, unionized workplaces continue to offer better wages and benefits compared to their non-union counterparts. This advantage is particularly significant for women and workers of color, who experience narrower pay gaps as a result of union representation. Saunders expressed that these benefits contribute to workers' "peace of mind" and are a fundamental reason for the organization's continued efforts both internally and externally as they head into 2025.

For more details on the BLS report, visit the official website here.

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