Both friends and foes of unions stepping up their efforts

The union movement has seen declining numbers for decades, but with a staunchly prounion advocate in the White House, union supporters are hoping to soon see progress for their cause. But union foes are hoping to thwart efforts aimed at easing the way for unionization.

Recent developments give both sides reasons to take heart. Union foes are still relieved a high-profile union drive at an Alabama Amazon facility fell short in April, but labor movement backers have reason to hope a White House task force will succeed in its quest to ensure more workers get the chance to organize.

Task force at work

Long a champion of union causes, President Joe Biden in April established the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment. Led by Vice President Kamala Harris and Labor Secretary Marty Walsh, the group is tasked with leading a "whole-of-government approach to empower workers," according to the White House announcement on the group's mission.

The announcement also reports Biden believes the decline of union membership is contributing to "serious societal and economic problems."

"Widespread and deep economic inequality, stagnant real wages, and the shrinking of America's middle class are all associated with the declining percentage of workers represented by unions," according to the task force announcement. "In addition, lower union membership rates have exacerbated the pay gap for women and workers of color."

Four goals have been identified for the task force: