Here's why the US labor movement is so popular but union membership is dwindling.

The rate of union membership in the US has been steadily declining for decades, even as strike activity has increased, due to factors such as labor laws that make it difficult for employees to form unions, the influence of corporations in suppressing unions, and a shift in the composition of the workforce away from traditional union strongholds.

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Relevant topic timeline:

8/25/2023

NLRB paves way for workers to unionize without formal elections

The U.S. National Labor Relations Board has ruled that businesses that commit labor law violations must bargain with unions if a majority of employees support unionizing, reviving a policy abandoned over 50 years ago.

8/28/2023

Kamala Harris touts strength of labor unions to build the middle class

Unions play a crucial role in boosting pay and improving fringe benefits, reducing wage gaps, and strengthening the middle class and economy, as highlighted in a U.S. Department of the Treasury report released and supported by Vice President Kamala Harris.

8/29/2023

Two-thirds of Americans support unions: poll

More than two-thirds of Americans, including 88 percent of Americans younger than 30, support unions, according to a recent AFL-CIO poll, and there has been a surge in union strikes and support due to increased corporate greed and inequality.

9/4/2023

Up First briefing: A Labor Day look at union fights, wins and close calls

Despite a recent Gallup poll showing that two-thirds of Americans approve of unions, only 10% of American workers belong to a union, and the overall state of organized labor remains bleak due to labor laws favoring employers and a Supreme Court ruling that weakened unions' power, while Hollywood writers and actors are currently on strike along with hotel workers in Los Angeles.

9/4/2023

US unions have flexed their muscle this past year. Are they winning?

US unions have experienced a surge in strikes over the past year, with major victories and defeats, as workers leverage low unemployment and a favorable public opinion toward unions to demand better pay, benefits, and working conditions.

9/5/2023

Workers are trying to unionize in greater numbers than expected in the Midwest

Unionization attempts in the central Midwest are increasing at a faster pace than expected, coming close to matching last year's high numbers, with high costs of living, organizing campaigns, and low unemployment rates contributing to the rise.

9/4/2023

'Perfect storm': What is causing labor strikes and disputes?

Labor unions across the United States, from UPS employees to United Autoworkers, are demanding better working conditions and higher wages due to increased workloads and insufficient pay, leading to an increase in strikes.

9/7/2023

Trade unions take on more American firms—and not just in America

Trade unions in the US are experiencing a resurgence, with an increase in strikes and rising public support, and this is now extending to American firms abroad, as workers at Chevron plants in Australia consider going on strike.

9/15/2023

UAW Strikes Launch at Auto Plants, China Economy Grows, But Housing Woes Remain

Strikes by United Auto Workers union at three major car manufacturing companies could potentially slow down the U.S. economy but are unlikely to trigger a recession, as global markets face industrial actions amid inflation and cost of living crisis.