Union Membership Recovery Post-Pandemic

The context of this recovery is critical. Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su highlighted the increase in union membership during a recent visit to Milwaukee, attributing it to the Biden administration’s pro-labor policies. However, data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the rise in membership is more a reflection of the overall workforce recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic rather than a direct result of specific policies. In 2019, union membership peaked at 14,574,000, which is still higher than the current figures, underscoring that the labor market is still in the process of recovery.

Key Statistics

• Current Union Membership: As of 2023, there are approximately 14,424,000 union members.
• Increase Since Biden Took Office: Membership rose from 14,012,000 in 2021 to 14,424,000 in 2023, indicating an increase of about 412,000 workers.
• Pre-Pandemic Levels: In 2019, union membership was at 14,574,000, showing that the current numbers are still below pre-pandemic figures.

Implications of Membership Changes

The Biden administration’s focus on organized labor and workforce development aims to support union growth. However, the current increase in union membership may be more indicative of broader economic recovery trends rather than the direct impact of new labor policies. This distinction is important for understanding the dynamics of labor relations in the post-pandemic landscape.