Workers winning more NLRB elections than at any point in past 15 years

Karla Walter, Senior Fellow for Inclusive Economy with the Center for American Progress (CAP), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss why workers are winning a higher percentage of union elections when the National Labor Relations Board oversees the vote than at any point in the past 15 years. Walter also discussed how current policies are helping union victories and a potential problem on the horizon for organizing workers.

According to a yearly Gallup poll, 67 percent of Americans approved of labor unions in 2023, the third-highest mark since 1963. As evidence of the growing support for unions in America, Walter discussed the rising number of wins by workers in union elections overseen by the NLRB. She said these wins are occurring at a higher rate than at any point in the past 15 years. Walter explained some of the reasons, including what it means to have Jennifer Abruzzo as the NLRB's General Counsel.

It’s not just a pro-labor NLRB that has helped increase the number of union election victories, though. Walter discussed several of the policies from the Biden Administration that have created a favorable environment for union success. She discussed how policies like the CHIPS and Science Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill have created opportunities for unions to lead the projects funded by the bills. Walter said this has created a need for more union members and, in turn, led to greater organizing victories for unions.

While there are several policies in place that can help unions protect more workers, there are several challenges that unions may have to face soon. Walter talked about a growing concern about a future under a different administration and some of their announced plans that could negatively impact the labor movement. Among the concerns is a conservative policy plan known as Project 2025. Walter discussed how the plan could erode the NLRB’s ability to protect workers and make it more difficult for unions.

For more from Walter, please listen to the show above.