COVID-19 fears may give rise to growing efforts to unionize

Over the past 20 years, union membership has declined significantly, and the numbers have continued to fall despite efforts to recruit new members. Mounting employee health and safety concerns over the coronavirus, however, could give rise to a new wave of union organizing activity in the coming months.

Lack of safety protection leads to walkouts

In 2019, slightly more than six percent of nongovernment workers were union members, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The numbers have decreased drastically from nearly 10 percent just 20 years ago and 30 percent in 1950.

The COVID-19 outbreak has caused many workers to worry their employers aren’t doing enough to protect their health in the workplace. Since March, employees in fast-food restaurants, grocery stores, hospitals, meatpacking plants, and warehouse distribution centers have threatened or staged walkouts over the perceived lack of safety protection from their employers.

Recognizing the concerns, many unions have increased their online presence to attract new members who are anxious about their safety. The Teamsters Union, the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, Communication Workers of America, and other unions have launched online resource centers or action sites aimed at helping nonunion workers secure protections by flexing their labor rights. By making the information readily available and empowering the everyday worker, the unions hope people with safety concerns will turn to them for protection.

How to reduce likelihood of organizing drive