Pew Research: Most Americans Say Declining Unions Hurt Workers and the Nation

Pew Research Center reports that union membership has fallen dramatically over the past four decades — from 20% of American workers in 1983 to fewer than 10% in 2024. Most Americans say that decline has hurt not just workers but the country itself.

The partisan gap is sharp: Pew finds Democrats overwhelmingly say the loss of union power is harmful, while most Republicans believe it’s been a good thing. Younger and lower-income Republicans, however, are more likely to see it as a loss — underscoring how unions remain tied to basic questions of wages, fairness, and dignity at work.

The future of unions isn’t just about jobs. It’s about who holds power in America’s economy and democracy.