The Importance Of Unions In The Labor Union

Decent Essays
Since the surge of labor union membership in the mid-20th century, the popularity of such unions has decreased steadily over time excluding a quick spike in the 1980’s. In 1983 (the first year comparable union data is available) there were 17.7 million workers that were members of a union which accounted for a 20.1% union membership rate as compared to 2015 which saw 14.8 million union members and an 11.1% union membership rate. This vast difference in the percentage of workers in a union shows how the labor union is a dying organization in the United States. While most unions are made up of middle class workers, many of the members are also public sector employees. Public sector workers had a 6.7% union membership compared to the 35.2% …show more content…
So why is labor union membership quickly declining? While the public approval of labor unions has increased to 58% after declining to an all-time low of 48% in 2009, only 37% of Americans believe that labor unions should have more influence then they currently pertain in the work force. While a majority of Americans approve of labor unions the numbers show that they are content with keeping them in their place or maybe even decreasing the power they hold. While the average union member makes more than the average worker not a member of a union, one factor that has declined since the emergence of unions is the “threat effect” the unions have over the production of a company and an economy as a whole. Without the “threat effect” of these unions chance of receiving the demands they seek have greatly decreased. When accounting for the state budget, many citizens are more likely to reduce the amount of state workers and programs if it means it would regulate the budget. Of those surveyed, 65% were in favor of eliminating state programs while 62% were in favor of

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