Labor unions, which have been around since the late 18th century, are seeing a resurgence in industries not traditionally associated with them. Digital media companies like Gawker Media, HuffPost, Salon, Slate, VICE, BuzzFeed, Vox Media, Bustle Media Group, and The New Yorker have all embraced unionization. Now, tech giants like Google and Amazon are also seeing a rise in employee activism.
While many people still associate unions with manual laborers and factory workers, they’re actually beneficial in modern workplaces too. They help employees negotiate for better benefits, job security, and higher salaries.
We asked 1,500 Americans what they thought about unions. Here’s what we found out: unions can protect workers from unsafe work conditions and bad bosses. But their main advantage is collective bargaining power, which allows workers to negotiate with their employers. This can lead to higher wages, better benefits, accommodations for parents, caregivers, and people with disabilities, fair treatment for minority workers, and protections during layoffs. Some unions even offer health care, which can be a lifeline for unemployed workers.
About 29% of respondents said they’re pro-union in all cases. Only 12% were against unions, while 10% supported them only in certain circumstances. The rest were neutral. Interestingly, more women than men were pro-union.
If we consider the general population as a workforce, these results would be enough for it to unionize. The National Labor Relations Board conducts a union vote once 30% of a workforce has signed union cards or a petition to organize.
Only 10% of respondents believed that unions are only necessary under harsh working conditions. In reality, unions aren’t just for fixing hostile work conditions. They can also improve positive aspects of a company environment and protect workers in unexpected situations like sudden layoffs or major unemployment events.
Despite the benefits of unionization, 12% of respondents were anti-union in all cases. This view is most likely held by managers, executives, and owners, who may have to compromise due to union power.
If your workers want to unionize, it’s important to respond positively. You can express your opinion, but you can’t prevent their organization effort (that’s illegal). You can also discuss with workers what they would ask for with a union’s help, and how you can create a workplace where employees don’t feel the need to organize.
Unions can also benefit bosses by improving communication, increasing productivity, and boosting morale among employees.
In conclusion, labor organization and employee activism are becoming more prevalent topics of discussion in the United States. Understanding what unions are and how they work can benefit everyone, from workers to bosses to politicians to activists and beyond.
