Senior Policy Analyst from the Economic Policy Institute, Margaret Poydock, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the increases in strikes, growth in public popularity of unions and the correlation between union membership and wage disparity.
There have been a large number of strikes this summer. Workers across the country have been striking and engaging in collective action more as the economy continues to provide equal income growth. The latest Bureau for Labor Statistics study shows that more workers have been on strike so far in 2023 than throughout all of 2022.
Unions have become extremely popular, receiving a 71 percent favorable rating in 2022. The National Labor Relations Board has also seen its largest caseloads since the 1950s. Poydock discussed the importance of these numbers increasing over time. As the popularity of unions grows, more workers seek improved rights and compensation.
Historically, union membership decreased, there would be a larger wage disparity. During the times of highest union membership in the 1970s and 1980s, the wage disparity was at its lowest. As more people learn about the benefits of unionizing, the wage disparity will decline. Unfortunately, as companies continue to use anti-union firms, the fight to unionize workers gets more difficult.
To hear more from the EPI and Poydock, please listen to the show above.