Unions have enthusiasm, media spotlight. But membership numbers lag
Strikes and organizing efforts at high profile companies have generated new enthusiasm for organized labor. But numbers tell a different story. Union membership is tied for the lowest level on record.
Glance at the numbers and the state of American unions looks bleak.
Just 10.3% of American workers were union members last year, tied with 2019 for the lowest number on record. Membership has been dropping for decades.
Yet if you read the headlines that future appears brighter.
Starbucks workers formed their first union in the U.S. last December. Strikes at John Deere and Kellogg's ended with better worker contracts. Last November had twice as many active strikes as the summer months. Approval of unions has reached a 56 year high.
A tight labor market has given workers more leverage, while attempts to unionize some of the most recognizable
