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Is there about to be a labor union boom? Will the current resurgence lose steam?
Despite decades of declining membership, labor unions are staging a resurgence. Some experts say that unions are well-positioned to grow their influence, with broad public support and businesses suffering labor shortages. Others contend that unions face a bumpy road ahead with fewer members and strong resistance from companies.
Here’s a look at the history of labor unions, and whether or not a union boom is on the horizon.
The Modern Union Boom
After decades of declining membership, American labor unions are experiencing a resurgence and growing more assertive. Here’s what you need to know about the labor union boom.
The History of Labor Unions
American unions’ influence has diminished significantly from their historical prominence over the past century, their power eroded by legal reforms and unsuccessful strikes.
But 2022 witnessed a revival in union strikes and organizing, with more than 200,000 workers involved in 380 work stoppages and union petitions to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) jumping 53% from 2021. In 2023, 150 major union contracts covering 1.5 million workers either came to an end or are set to expire in the entertainment, shipping, and auto industries—and unions, feeling bullish, have seized the opportunity to take big companies to task:
- Hollywood screenwriters and actors have been on strike over pay and health insurance benefits, among other protections, since May and July, respectively.
- A deal finalized this week by the Teamsters and UPS prevented a strike that could have heavily damaged the US economy.
- Airline pilots have been negotiating for—and in some cases winning—big raises.
- Auto workers at GM, Ford, and Chrysler are expected to strike when contracts for 150,000 hourly workers expire on September 14.
Experts say that, to date, these labor disputes haven’t significantly impacted most Americans’ daily lives. But an auto workers’ strike in which hundreds of thousands of workers walk off the job could broadly impact the public, draw further media attention to unions’ plight, and influence their sway moving forward.
View 1: Unions are Well-Positioned to Grow Stronger
Some experts say that unions, despite their diminished their size and influence, are now on the offensive and have leverage to play hardball due to:
- Their conviction that companies can afford raises, considering their soaring profits.
- Ongoing labor shortages, which have made it difficult for companies to maintain a robust workforce.
- Pro-union rules from the National Labor Relations Board, which bolster union mobilization efforts.
- Growing momentum fueled by:
- Public support for unions
- Recent successful strikes and cross-industry strike support
View 2: Unions Have a Rough Road Ahead
Other experts counter that unions’ successes aren’t guaranteed to last and that the labor movement may lose steam. This is because:
- Declining membership has left unions spread thin and with limited resources.
- Employers are making thorough preparations to resist union organizing attempts and contest election outcomes.
- Legal disputes and delays could impede unions’ progress, resulting in smaller negotiated salary increases and stalled bargaining processes that may discourage workers.
- Newly formed unions often have overly optimistic expectations about what, and how quickly, they can achieve their goals, setting workers up for frustration and disappointment.
Looking Ahead
Legal experts who anticipate a surge in union activities in the coming years urge unionized and non-unionized companies to ready themselves for increased mobilization efforts by:
- Cultivating trust and establishing effective communication with their workforce.
- Developing comprehensive strike strategies.
But others contend that a full revival of labor unions is unlikely, as membership numbers aren’t expected to suddenly surge. They suggest that unions’ continued momentum will hinge on their ability to navigate potential legal challenges and delays.
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