Last night the Bureau of Labor Statistics dropped some good news -- 2007 saw an increase in union membership in the United States, with 311,000 new workers joining together in unions. That's the first increase in at least 25 years (BLS has only been tracking this since 1983).
American Rights at Work rightly notes that nobody should be misled by this development into thinking that organizing in the U.S. has suddenly become easy. The system is still tilted sharply in favor of corporate interests, not least because of the anti-worker decisions of the Bush NLRB.
Over at the American Prospect, Ezra Klein breaks down where the gains came from and comes away cautiously optimistic:
Manufacturing, amazingly, has been so decimated that your average manufacturing employee is less likely to be unionized than another American worker picked at random. Given that the manufacturing sector was once the backbone of the union economy, that's real testament to how ruined the old order is, and how impressive even these small gains are. Now, one year does not a trend make, and the uptick is unquestionably minor. But still: Gains for the first time in 25 years. And centered around the fast-growing, immigrant-heavy economies of the West. That's meaningful, and may suggest that Labor is finally figuring out a new model they can use to move forward.
And Trapper John at Daily Kos is optimistic too:
Here's the thing -- if American workers and their unions can grow when the most anti-worker administration in over 75 years is doing everything it can to thwart them, just wait till the political climate becomes more worker-friendly. After a quarter-century on the back foot, American unions have finally learned to survive, and maybe even thrive, in a harsh environment. Like Ginger Rogers, they're doing it backwards and in heels. Just imagine what can happen when working people get to take the lead.
UPDATE (Jan. 28): Here's some commentary from CtW Executive Director Greg Tarpinian on the BLS numbers:
The new data on the growth in union membership in the United States in 2007 is the first indication that the Change to Win strategy of redirecting resources and focus to organizing is the correct one and that it is bearing fruit.
The most significant change over the last year is the increase in private sector union membership. The private sector is where Change to Win affiliates have focused their efforts and where employer opposition is the most intense. Last year, union membership in the private sector rose by 133,000, contributing nearly as much to the overall growth in union membership as growth in the public sector.
While the increase in membership and union density in 2007 is noteworthy we are careful not to draw too many conclusions from it or to be boastful about it. Our unions continue to undergo major structural change and redirection of focus and resources because we are not satisfied. While we are heartened by the growth in 2007, we know we must grow at a much faster rate if American workers are to be in a position to realize the American Dream.
Comments (1)
Comments posted to CtW Connect are the sole property of the individual posting them, and do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of Change to Win, its affiliated unions, or its leadership.
organizing remains a daunting task! Having just organized 24 mechanics I have seen the power that companies exert on workers,causing them to be fearful for their livelihoods if they associate with unions. Reaching a successful contract remains an uncertainty. Thats is an area that is underemphasised andne of the most crucial elements in increasing union membersahip.
Posted by wayne perleberg on February 5, 2008 at 10:17 AM
Posted on February 5, 2008 at 10:17 AM