How have union membership rates in the United States changed over the past two decades? What are three primary benefits of union membership for workers?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Income inequality in the United States has been increasing for many reasons, one of which is the steady erosion of union membership. In 1955, when the two largest union organizations merged, 37% of U.S. workers were members of labor unions (Freeman, 2007, p. 77). By 2015, union membership had skidded to a mere 11.1% of workers (see Figure 10. 6). The decline has been especially notable in the private sector, where only 6.7% of employees belong to unions. In contrast, the unionization rates for federal, state, and local government workers are 26.9%, 31.3%, and 41.7%, respectively.
Discussion of benefits can vary, but may include: wages for union employees are 14.1% higher than those of their nonunionized counterparts, even after controlling for education and experience, type of industry, region, and occupation (Mishel et al., 2009, p. 200; Blanchflower & Bryson, 2007, pp. 79-113). They also receive 15-25% more benefits like health insurance, as well as more workplace training and employee development.
In recent years, Black and Hispanic workers have benefited from unionization more than White workers, and men more than women. The benefits are particularly evident among low-skilled workers. Even nonunion workers benefit when good wages are paid to dampen the appeal of unionization, such as at nonunion auto factories in the South.