Declining Unionization in Auto Industry Hits Black Workers Hardest, Reversing Hard-Won Gains

Black workers have relied on union auto jobs for financial stability, but declining unionization has hit them hardest. Auto work has gone from a stable career to a wage job since concessions.

Black workers forced open the auto industry over decades, using seniority to access better jobs. Today Black workers are 25% of the unionized auto workforce.

Pressure from Black workers pushed the UAW to fight segregation. The union backed civil rights leaders like MLK Jr. But later, militant Black groups emerged to press issues.

The decline of US auto jobs starting in the 1970s devastated Black communities in cities like Detroit. The 2007-09 crisis also disproportionately affected Black autoworkers.

The industry's shift South and rise of EVs/non-union jobs may continue trends. But new EV investments in the South also offer chances for change.