OPINION: UNIONS ARE GAINING POPULARITY AMONG WORKERS

In recent times, several independent unions have engaged in protracted battles, seeking improved wages, enhanced benefits, and greater job security for their members. For one, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) has reached a tentative agreement with Hollywood writer and production studios. This agreement aims to augment writers’ residuals, which are the earnings they receive when their shows are viewed or broadcasted, increase the minimum weekly pay for writers by 12.5% over three years, establish a minimum number of (human!) writing staff per show, and provide protection against the potential displacement of WGA members’ jobs by artificial intelligence.

Another noteworthy success for unions is the accord workers have struck with UPS, a global shipping and receiving company. This agreement results in higher wages for both part-time and full-time employees and improved working conditions. Over the course of a five-year contract, by the final year a full-time driver is expected to earn approximately $170,000 in combined pay and benefits.

In addition to these victories, the United Auto Workers union has initiated strikes at General Motors and Stellantis production plants spread across 38 facilities in 20 different states. Simultaneously, workers at a local Beaverton Chrysler distribution center have been on strike since Sept. 22, demanding better compensation and benefits.

These instances of successful strikes by unions signal a resurgence in their influence and a potential rise in popularity among American workers.

According to Gallup’s annual education and work survey, labor unions faced their lowest approval rating in 2009, with just 48% of Americans in favor. Since then, there has been a steady increase in union popularity, reaching a peak of 71% approval among Americans in 2022 (down slightly to 67% this August). These statistics indicate growing union popularity, and as more unions undertake strikes and secure favorable terms for their members, more individuals may be inclined to join unions in pursuit of improved pay and benefits.

Beyond their increasing popularity, labor unions are gaining power and exerting greater influence over employers. As businesses grapple with challenges in hiring and retaining employees, retaining existing staff has become increasingly crucial. This situation provides labor unions with a strategic advantage in negotiations, resulting in more favorable agreements for their members.

The reality is that unions consistently demonstrate their enduring power and value, further enhancing their appeal. Companies are realizing that preventing their workforce from unionizing is becoming increasingly difficult. Over the past year, Starbucks and Amazon employees have actively pursued unionization efforts within their respective stores and warehouses, leading to intense battles between workers and employers. These efforts will likely continue to disrupt the labor market for companies but can significantly benefit employees by securing higher wages and better benefits.

With labor unions on the upswing, it is conceivable that even more workers will be open to the idea of unionization or joining existing unions in the future. Only time will reveal the trajectory of labor unions in terms of popularity and influence.