members strong

100000 +

years of advocating
for workers

0

A UNION FOR

OPPORTUNITY TO THRIVE

A voice at work

RETIREMENT SECURITY

BETTER WAGES

JOB SECURITY

GREAT HEALTHCARE

Click the issues to learn more!!

Affilation Parterning

WITH THE IBEW

Affiliating with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) strengthens your association’s ability to serve and represent its members—while preserving your local identity, leadership, and voice. This partnership brings access to experienced negotiators, legal resources, and the broader support of the AFL-CIO labor movement, enhancing your ability to secure strong contracts, enforce existing agreements, and advocate for better wages, benefits, and working conditions.

For members, affiliation means increased protection, long-term stability, and the collective strength needed to ensure fair treatment on the job. For leadership, it offers a strategic opportunity to bolster bargaining power, improve financial stability, and proactively engage with state and local labor policy—with minimal disruption to your current structure.

With a proven track record of fighting for workers’ rights, the IBEW offers the stability, expertise, and backing of a well-established labor movement—empowering your association to protect and advance the interests of every member.

IBEW 9th District

100 Bush Street, Suite 1950
San Francisco, CA 94104
Phone: (415) 398-2202
Email: [email protected]

Why are Employee Associations Choosing to Affiliate with the IBEW?

Affiliating with the IBEW offers enhanced services for members, such as:

  • Health and welfare benefit programs
  • Scholarship opportunities
  • Member discounts and insurance options
  • Retirement planning assistance

An experienced union partner like the IBEW can:

  • Help enforce current contracts
  • Prepare effectively for upcoming negotiations
  • Ensure continuity and compliance with labor laws and contract terms

The IBEW has professional lobbyists and policy experts who:

  • Monitor legislation affecting workers
  • Advocate for pro-labor policies
  • Defend against harmful changes to pensions, wages, or public sector protections

Affiliation does not mean assimilation. Many associations maintain:

  • Their name and local identity
  • Leadership structure
  • Voice in how representation is delivered
  • The Association remains local and member-led, while benefiting from the strength of a trusted national partner.
  • The decision to affiliate is made between the Association alone—free from employer interference. This ensures the process is democratic, transparent, and in the best interest of the workers.

 

Affiliation gives the Association greater leverage at the bargaining table. Our union brings:

  • Experience in negotiations
  • A history of securing strong contracts
  • The strength of a broader membership base that employers are more likely to take seriously

The IBEW offers support that most small, independent associations cannot match, including:

  • Legal teams for grievances, arbitration, and labor law issues
  • Professional negotiators and researchers
  • Contract analysis and wage comparison resources
  • Training programs for stewards and local leaders

The IBEW provides crucial support during disciplinary actions or disputes:

  • Representation in grievances and arbitration
  • Legal defense in complex or high-stakes cases
  • Strategic guidance during strikes, lockouts, or contract violations
  • Stability through an ever changing legal landscape

The IBEW has the financial capacity to support legal battles, organizing efforts, and emergency needs—without overburdening local funds.

Being part of the IBEW opens the door to:

  • Collaborating with workers in similar roles or industries
  • Sharing successful strategies
  • Building a united front across workplaces for common goals.

Affiliation with the IBEW is tied to the AFL-CIO, and gives the Association:

  • A place in the national labor movement
  • Broader influence in local, state, and federal policy discussions
  • Greater political clout to protect and advance workers’ rights

WHO IS THE IBEW? Manufacturing Emerging Technologies Power Generation Community Municipalities Telecommunications Customer Service  Utility Workers Tree Trimming Production Families Broadcast Railroad Construction Energy Call Centers Gas Workers Maintenace You Service Contract Government Workers Instrumentation Operations Nuclear Cooperatives 870,000 strong

in California, Workers like you are part of the IBEW

Click on the branch to see examples of just some of the workers we represent

City of Alameda
City of Berkeley
City of Fernley
City of Gridley
City of Healdsburg
City of Lodi
City of Lompoc
City of Oakland
City of Redding
City of Roseville
City of Santa Clara
City of Shasta Lake
City of Ukiah
City of Vallejo
City of Willits
City of Anaheim
City of Banning
City of Colton
City of Long Beach
City of Moreno Valley
City of Riverside
City of San Bernardino

Bella Vista Water District
Merced Irrigation District
Modesto Irrigation District
Paradise Irrigation District
Resort Improvement District #1 (Shelter Cove)
South San Joaquin Irrigation District
South Feather Water and Power
Turlock Irrigation District
Yuba Water Agency
Panoche Water District
Sweetwater Authority
Trabuco Canyon Water District/ Bargaining Unit
City of San Bernardino Water Board/ Water Department Unit
Imperial Irrigation District

Alameda Municipal Power – City of Alameda
Island Energy – City of Pittsburg
Lassen Municipal Utility District
Northern California Power Agency
Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD)
Western Area Power Administration
Pittsburg Island Energy (Duplicate of Island Energy – City of Pittsburg)
LADWP (Los Angeles Department of Water and Power)
PG&E Pacific Gas and Electric
SDG&E San Diego Gas and Electric
Southern California Edison

AC Transit (Alameda County Transit)
Sacramento Regional Transit
MTS (San Diego Transit Corp.

Greater Vallejo Recreation District
Port of Oakland
Tri-Dam Project
United States Bureau of Reclamation
The New Children’s Museum

City of Anaheim / Part-Time Customer Service Employees
City of Anaheim / Professional Management & Part-Time Management Unit
City of Banning / General Unit
City of Banning / Utility Unit
City of Colton / Electric Unit
City of Colton / Water and Wastewater Divisions
City of Long Beach / General
City of Moreno Valley / General Unit
City of Riverside / Supervisory Unit
City of Riverside / Utility Unit
City of San Bernardino Water Board / Water Department Unit
Trabuco Canyon Water District / Bargaining Unit

Did you know that the IBEW is comprised of workers from a wide array of industries and back grounds? Our Union is unique in that it is a mix of so many industries and workers. Comprising of thousands of workers across the U.S. and Canada that stand together to better their work life. Our diversity brings us the strength and resources to help workers in this multitude of industries.

Talk to one of our

affiliation specialist

Mark Meyer
International Lead Organizer
[email protected] (661) 877-5951
Bob Oedy
International Lead Organizer
[email protected] (818) 212-1508

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) is a respected, experienced, and resource-rich union. It has a strong track record of negotiating powerful contracts and defending workers’ rights across the country. IBEW’s affiliation offers a unique balance of national strength and local autonomy—making it an ideal partner for an employee association seeking long-term growth and security.

Affiliating with a larger union like the IBEW offers employee associations a powerful combination of local independence and national strength. It enhances bargaining power, provides access to expert negotiators and legal support, and ensures greater financial and organizational stability. Associations benefit from experienced representation, help with contract enforcement, and increased influence on local and state issues—all while maintaining their own identity and leadership. With ties to the AFL-CIO and a proven track record of securing strong agreements, the IBEW is a trusted partner that empowers associations to better protect and advance the interests of its members.

Employee associations choose to affiliate with the IBEW for several strategic and practical reasons. This decision has proven to enhance the Association’s ability to represent its members effectively while maintaining its core identity.

A Workforce Represented By The IBEW Means Having A Voice In Your Healthcare Your Safety Your Hours Your Wages .

watch our members on the job

TRANSMISSION & LINEWORK

cooperatives, utilities & generation

CLEAN ENERGY

RAILROAD

GOVERNMENT & MUNICIPALITIES

TELECOM & BROADCASTING

MANUFACTURING

CONSTRUCTION

the facts about unions

Knowledge is Key

Whether you are an experienced veteran or brand new to unions, educating yourself on your rights is key. There are many myths that exist about how a union functions and rights of its members. The interactive chart shares accurate information that will help you in your decision making process.

Know Your Rights
The Dirty Dozen
Union Facts
Important Links
my IBEW story
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Being a part of the IBEW has benefited not just me and my family here — my wife and three children, Kaidance, Liam, and Emery — but also my family still in Brazil, my mom and brother. The opportunity to have a great career, with a future to look forward to along with a dignified wage and outstanding benefits, has allowed me to provide comfort and security for all of my loved ones. In the IBEW, anybody who wants a better quality of life and a bright future has an opportunity to attain it — it depends only on you.

Jeimeson Saudino

Construction Organizer/Inside Journeyman Wireman - Wichita, Kan., Local 271

“I began in the trade at Lockheed Shipbuilding while attending the University of Washington, quickly working my way from ship scaler to journeyman electrician through the IBEW. For nearly 50 years, I’ve balanced work in the shipyards with a career in economic development, always keeping my IBEW membership. The union gave me the opportunity to support my family, gain skills, and build lifelong friendships. Even now, at almost 75, I’m still proud to be working in the shipyards, grateful for the knowledge, community, and stability the IBEW has provided throughout my life.”

Tamer Kirac

journeyman marine electrician, Seattle Local 46

“After eight years as a hairstylist, I realized during the pandemic that it wasn’t my true calling. With encouragement from my husband, a union member, I discovered the IBEW’s VDV apprenticeship. I didn’t get in on my first try, but after gaining experience at a solar farm, I was accepted in July 2024. Since then, I’ve found real satisfaction in my work, learning new skills every day, earning recognition, and finally having a schedule that gives me balance. Being part of the IBEW has given me stability, confidence, and a future I’m proud of.”

Zoe McCormack

VDV installer/technician apprentice Rockford, Ill., Local 364

“After realizing college wasn’t for me and spending years in food service, I wanted a career where I could use both my mind and hands. I applied to the IBEW apprenticeship, and though I didn’t get in at first, I gained experience and was accepted. Now in my second year as a sound apprentice, I’ve found stability, great training, and a supportive brotherhood. The IBEW has given me financial security, health benefits for my family, and the chance to own a home in San Diego — opportunities I never thought possible.”

Shawn Barton

installer/technician apprentice San Diego Local 569

“After more than 20 years as a dealership mechanic with no retirement and constant job insecurity, I knew I needed a change. Joining Southern California Edison — and the IBEW — gave me stability, a voice on the job, and the chance to build a real future. Today, I have retirement security, vacation time to enjoy with my wife, and opportunities I never thought I’d have. The IBEW has given me more than just protection — it’s given me new chapters in life.”

John Doe

Garage foreman Diamond Bar, Calif., Local 47

“After 10 years as a federal wildland firefighter, I was exhausted from long hours, low pay, and constant financial stress. Joining PG&E and the IBEW in 2020 changed everything. I now earn a fair wage, have union benefits, and can support my family without relying on endless overtime. Best of all, I have time to be home with my wife and kids, take real vacations, and enjoy life. The IBEW gave me stability, community, and the balance I’d been missing.”.

Daniel Lassotta

safety infrastructure protection team technician

“At 21, I was diagnosed with a rare cancer, and my nonunion employer refused to adjust my schedule for treatments. I left and worked odd jobs until I found the IBEW at Raytheon. With union representation, I paid off my medical debt, got quality health care, and gained peace of mind. Today, I’m thriving in a higher-paying job, proud to serve as a steward, and grateful for the solidarity and support of Local 1505.”

Courtney Estacio

Waltham, Mass., Local 1505

“The IBEW truly saved my life. After incarceration, I struggled to find work that could support my family — my own son was hired before I could get a job. With the help of Denver Works and Local 111, I found not just a job but a career. The IBEW gave me pride, stability, and the chance to be a role model for my sons. Today, I’m active in union committees, financially secure, and part of a brotherhood that changed my life and future for the better.”

Michael Rollerson

heavy equipment operator Denver Local 111

begin my ibew journey

For Families

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Unions help workers earn better wages through collective bargaining. That extra income allows families to afford safer housing, healthier food, reliable transportation, and opportunities like college savings or vacations — all of which contribute to a better quality of life at home.

Better Work-Life Balance

Union contracts often include protections for fair scheduling, paid time off, and guaranteed breaks. This gives working parents more time to be present in their families’ lives — whether it’s attending a child’s school play, helping with homework, or just sharing dinner together.

Affordable, Reliable Healthcare

Union-negotiated benefits frequently include comprehensive health coverage for the entire family. That means fewer out-of-pocket medical costs, access to preventive care, and peace of mind knowing children and spouses are protected if health issues arise.

Job Security and Protection from Unfair Treatment

Unions ensure that workers can’t be fired without just cause and have a grievance process if they’re treated unfairly. This job stability helps families plan for the future and shields them from sudden job loss or retaliation, creating a more secure home environment.

Support for Education and Training

The IBEW is committed to providing resources that help families build long-term opportunities, allowing both workers and their children to grow and succeed through education.

Advocacy for Family-Friendly Laws

Unions don’t just negotiate with employers — they also advocate for policies that benefit all working families, like paid family leave, affordable childcare, and public education funding. Their political voice helps shape a society that better supports parents and kids alike.

Higher Wages Mean Greater Financial Stability

Unions foster solidarity and support, not only in the workplace but also in the wider community. From food drives and scholarship funds to helping members in times of crisis, unions create a culture of care that families can rely on in good times and bad.

For Communities

Economic Growth:
Strengthened worker-employer relationships foster a stable and productive workforce. Increased employment opportunities and job security contribute to a more resilient local economy.

Local Prosperity:
Healthy employer-employee partnerships lead to higher wages and improved living standards.
Increased disposable income within the community stimulates local businesses and services.

Social Cohesion:
Positive workplace relationships spill over into the community, promoting a sense of belonging and unity.
Shared values and mutual support create a socially connected and harmonious environment.

Skill Development:
Strong worker-employer collaboration encourages skill development and continuous learning.
A skilled workforce attracts new businesses and industries, further diversifying the local job market.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship:
Supportive employer-employee dynamics encourage innovation and creativity. This atmosphere can lead to the emergence of local entrepreneurs and startups, contributing to community development.

Community Involvement:
Engaged employers and workers are more likely to participate in community initiatives. Volunteerism, community projects, and corporate social responsibility activities strengthen the overall fabric of the community. A strong worker and employer relationship, therefore, has a ripple effect that goes beyond the workplace, positively impacting the community at large.

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For Workers

Fair and Competitive Compensation:
The union can negotiate fair wages and benefits for individual employees, ensuring that they receive competitive compensation within the industry.
This fosters job satisfaction and loyalty, contributing to a stable and motivated workforce.

Improved Working Conditions:
The union can advocate for improved working conditions, including safety measures and health benefits.  Better working conditions not only enhance the individual employee’s well-being but also contribute to a healthier and more productive work environment.

Job Security:
Through negotiations and collective bargaining, the union can work to secure job protection measures.
Increased job security provides peace of mind for individual employees and promotes a stable workforce for the company.

Professional Development Opportunities:
Collaborative efforts between the company and the union can lead to the establishment of training and development programs. These programs benefit individual employees by enhancing their skills and employability while supporting the company’s need for a skilled workforce.

Employee Representation:
The union serves as a representative for individual employees, ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes. This empowerment contributes to a positive workplace culture and helps the company address employee concerns proactively.

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a voice at work

When workers come together as one, they gain a voice at work, with a say in wages, benefits, and  work rules. Without a union, everything from your paycheck to scheduling is at the whim of  management. But collective bargaining gives you power.

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better wages

Union members make more money. On average, union workers make nearly 20% more than nonunion workers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s because a union contract gives workers the power to make sure they are paid their fair share.

To find out how union members make more money $$$$

Click Here
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job security

An IBEW contract means protection for your job. Unions help safeguard you against arbitrary employer actions. They also mean the power to fight for a better work-life balance.

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Great Healthcare

Union workers enjoy comprehensive and affordable family healthcare. The IBEW negotiates strong health benefits, so workers can access the care they need  without worrying about the costs.

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written contract

In the semiconductor industry, a written contract is the difference between promises and protections. Verbal commitments and company policies can change overnight, but a union contract puts wages, healthcare, retirement, and workplace protections in writing—where they are enforceable. Without a contract, benefits can be reduced, restructured, or taken away at management’s discretion. Through Chips Workers United and the IBEW, workers stand together to negotiate binding agreements that lock in hard-earned benefits, establish clear rules, and provide a real voice on the job. A written contract means stability, accountability, and peace of mind—today and for the future.

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opportunity to thrive

We take pride in supporting one of the most highly trained workforces in the semiconductor industry and are committed to ensuring workers have meaningful opportunities to grow professionally. Drawing on the IBEW’s proven track record and decades of experience advocating for workers, this effort emphasizes access to opportunity through comprehensive training in advanced manufacturing, cleanroom environments, safety, and evolving technologies. These skills help workers adapt in a rapidly changing industry and build strong, long-term careers with expanded opportunities across the semiconductor sector. With a voice at work and a seat at the table, process changes and industry evolution do not have to mean layoffs. Through collaboration, workers and companies can thrive.

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a voice at work

When workers come together through Chips Workers United, they gain a collective voice at work and meaningful representation on the job. Union representation gives workers a say in wages, benefits, and work rules, and provides important workplace protections, including the right to representation during investigatory meetings and the ability to raise concerns collectively without fear of retaliation. Without a union, decisions about pay, scheduling, and workplace rules are made unilaterally. Collective bargaining ensures workers have a seat at the table and a role in shaping fair, transparent workplace standards

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Rights To Organize

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Worker Rights

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Forming A Union

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For You

Mutual Success and Stability:
Shared Prosperity: A positive and collaborative relationship fosters an environment where the success of the manufacturing company is intertwined with the well-being of its employees. When the company succeeds, it can share the benefits with its workforce through fair compensation, performance bonuses, and other incentives. This creates a sense of shared prosperity, aligning the interests of the employees and the company.

Long-Term Partnership: A stable and cooperative relationship between the company and the union sets the foundation for a long-term partnership. This stability allows both parties to plan for the future with confidence, knowing that they can rely on each other for support and collaboration. Long-term partnerships contribute to the overall sustainability and success of the business.

Adaptability and Resilience: In the face of economic challenges or industry changes, a mutually supportive relationship between the company and the union allows for collective problem-solving and adaptation. Joint efforts in navigating uncertainties can lead to more resilient strategies and solutions that benefit both individual employees and the company as a whole.

Employee Engagement and Commitment: When employees feel that their interests are considered and valued, they are more likely to be engaged and committed to the company’s success. A positive work environment resulting from the collaborative efforts of the company and the union promotes a strong sense of loyalty and dedication among employees, contributing to the overall stability of the workforce.

Open Communication Channels: Mutual success relies on transparent and open communication channels between the company and the union. Regular dialogue allows for the identification of common goals, the resolution of issues, and the continuous improvement of working conditions. Transparent communication builds trust and strengthens the foundation for a relationship based on mutual success and stability.

Competitive Advantage: A manufacturing company that can demonstrate a harmonious and mutually beneficial relationship with its workforce through the union gains a competitive advantage in the market. This positive reputation can attract top talent, enhance customer trust, and appeal to investors who value responsible and collaborative labor practices.

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For Manufacturing

Improved Communication:
Open and transparent communication between the company and union fosters trust and understanding. Timely sharing of information reduces misunderstandings, leading to smoother operations and better collaboration.

Enhanced Productivity:
A harmonious relationship encourages a cooperative approach to problem-solving and process improvement. Union workers, when engaged positively, are more likely to contribute to efficiency and productivity gains within the manufacturing processes.

Workforce Stability:
A positive relationship with the union helps in maintaining a stable and motivated workforce. Reduced labor turnover and increased job satisfaction contribute to consistent production levels and lower recruitment costs.

Conflict Resolution:
Effective labor-management collaboration facilitates quicker resolution of disputes and conflicts. Addressing concerns promptly helps maintain a positive work environment, preventing disruptions to production schedules.

Employee Well-being:
A harmonious relationship promotes the well-being of union workers through fair wages, benefits, and working conditions.
This, in turn, enhances employee morale, engagement, and commitment to the company’s success.

Competitive Advantage:
A positive relationship with the union can be a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Demonstrating a commitment to fair labor practices and collaboration with the workforce can enhance the company’s reputation and appeal to customers and investors. A harmonious relationship with union labor, therefore, not only contributes to a positive workplace culture but also brings tangible benefits to the manufacturing company in terms of productivity, stability, and competitiveness.

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Retirement Security

Union workers enjoy stronger retirement security than their nonunion counterparts. In fact, nearly 100% of union members have retirement benefits through their job.

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opportunity to thrive

The IBEW takes pride in being the best-trained  workforce around, and we are committed to ensuring that all our members have the chance to grow professionally. The IBEW offers the most comprehensive training in the entire electrical industry, which means more career opportunities for you.

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better wages

Union members make more money. On average, union workers make nearly 20% more than nonunion workers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s because a union contract gives workers the power to make sure they are paid their fair share.

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Labor Unions and the U.S. Economy

Featured Stories

Labor Unions and the U.S. Economy

 

By Laura Feiveson, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Microeconomics

Today, the Treasury Department released a first-of-its-kind report on labor unions, highlighting the evidence that unions serve to strengthen the middle class and grow the economy at large. Over the last half century, middle-class households have experienced stagnating wages, rising income volatility, and reduced intergenerational mobility, even as the economy as a whole has prospered. Unions can improve the well-being of middle-class workers in ways that directly combat these negative trends. Pro-union policy can make a real difference to middle-class households by raising their incomes, improving their work environments, and boosting their job satisfaction. In doing so, unions can help to make the economy more equitable and robust.

Over the last century, union membership rates and income inequality have diverged, as shown in Figure 1. Union membership peaked in the 1950s at one-third of the workforce.  At that time, despite pervasive racial and gender discrimination, overall income inequality was close to its lowest level since its peak before the Great Depression, and was continuing to fall.  Over the subsequent decades, union membership steadily declined, while income inequality began to steadily rise after a trough in the 1970s. In 2022, union membership plateaued at 10 percent of workers while the top one percent of income earners earned almost 20 percent of total income.

Figure 1: Union Membership and Inequality

Figure 1: Union Membership and Inequality
Source: Union membership data through 1994 from Farber et al. (2021) and Freeman (1998).  After 1995, union membership data is from the CPS and they reflect percent of employed civilian labor force aged 16+ that are a member of a union.  Top Income Share is from World Inequality Database, wid.world

While the overall U.S. economy has grown over the past few decades, the rise in inequality can be a proxy for the experience of many middle-class households. The income of the median family rose only 0.6 percent per year, in contrast to average personal income per household which rose 1.1 percent per year, as seen in Figure 2.  And, notably, other markers of middle-class stability have deteriorated since the 1970s. Income has become more volatile,[1] the amount of time spent on vacation has fallen,[2] and middle-class Americans are less prepared for retirement.[3] Intergenerational mobility has declined—90 percent of children born in the 1940s earned more than their parents did at age 30, while only half of children born in the mid-1980s did the same.[4] 

Figure 2: Income and Wage Growth since the 1960s

Figure 2: Income and Wage Growth since the 1960s

Source: Real median weekly wages from Bureau of Labor Statistics; nominal personal income from Bureau of Economic Analysis; real median household income from Census.  All series are deflated by the Consumer Price Index

So, how could unions help? Treasury’s report shows that unions have the potential to address some of these negative trends by raising middle-class wages, improving work environments, and promoting demographic equality. Of course, unions should not be the only solution to these structural trends. But the evidence below and in the report suggests that unions can be useful in building the economy from the middle out.

Wages 

One of the most oft-cited benefits of unions is the so-called “union wage premium”—the amount that union members make above and beyond non-members.  While simple comparisons of the wages of union workers and nonunion workers find that union workers typically make about 20 percent more than nonunion workers,[5] economists turn to other types of analysis to capture causal effects of unions on wages. The first approach controls for many worker and occupation characteristics with the goal of comparing the wages earned by two similar workers that differ only in their union status. The other empirical approach is “regression discontinuity analysis,” which compares the wages in workplaces which just barely passed a vote to unionize against wages in workplaces that barely failed to pass the unionization vote. All in all, the evidence from these two approaches points to a union wage premium of around 10 to 15 percent, with larger effects for longer-tenured workers.[6]

Work environments

Worker wellbeing is greatly affected by non-wage benefits. Some benefits, such as healthcare benefits and retirement benefits, are a part of the compensation package and have substantial monetary value. Other features of the work environment, like flexible scheduling or workplace safety regulations, may not have direct monetary value but could still be highly valued by workers. For example, one study estimated that the average worker is willing to give up 20 percent of wages to avoid having their schedule frequently changed by their employer on short notice.[7] Another study, co-authored by Secretary Yellen, found that 80 percent of people who like their jobs cite a non-wage reason as the primary cause of their satisfaction and, conversely, 80 percent of people who dislike their jobs cite non-wage reasons to explain their dissatisfaction.[8]

There is strong evidence that unions improve both fringe benefits and non-wage features of the workplace. Figure 3 shows how much more likely it is for a union worker to be offered certain amenities than a nonunion worker. While these simple comparisons reflect correlations only, studies that use more robust empirical approaches find the same: unions have had a large hand in improving work environments on many dimensions and, in doing so, raise the wellbeing of workers and their families.[9]

Figure 3: Fringe Benefits and Amenities

Figure 3: Fringe Benefits and Amenities

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.  UI data from 2018.  Other data from March 2021.  Offered benefits describe whether an employee has access to the benefit through their employer, no the take-up thereof.  UI values include non-member workers represented by a union.  UI recipiency rate is the percent of unemployed workers who received UI, irrespective of whether they are eligible for UI payments.

Workplace Equality

The diverse demographics of modern union membership mean that the benefits of any policy that strengthens today’s unions would be felt across the population.Union membership is now roughly equal across men and women. In 2021, Black men had a particularly high union representation rate at 13 percent, as compared to the population average of 10 percent.[10] 

Unions promote within-firm equality by adopting explicit anti-discrimination measures, supporting anti-discrimination legislation and enforcement, and promoting wage-setting practices that are less susceptible to implicit bias. As an example of egalitarian wage-setting practices, single rate or automatic progression wage structures contribute to lower within-firm income inequality compared to firms that make individual determinations.[11] These types of practices, and others like publicly available pay schedules, benefit women and vulnerable workers who can be less likely to negotiate aggressively for pay raises. 

Empirical studies have confirmed that unions have, indeed, closed race and gender gaps within firms. For example, one study finds that the wage gap between Black and white women was significantly reduced due to union measures.[12] Another study provides evidence of how collective bargaining has reduced gender wage gaps amongst teachers.[13]

Spillovers

The positive effects of unions are not limited to union workers. Nonunionized firms in competition with unionized workplaces may choose to raise wages, change hiring practices, or improve their workplace environment to attract workers.[14] Unions can also affect workplace norms by, say, lobbying for workplace safety improvements, or advocating for changes in minimum wage laws.[15] The empirical evidence finds that these positive spillovers exist. Each 1 percentage point increase in private-sector union membership rates translates to about a 0.3 percent increase in nonunion wages. These estimates are larger for workers without a college degree, the majority of America’s workforce.[16] 

Unions may also produce benefits for communities that extend beyond individual workers and employers by enhancing social capital and civic engagement. Union members vote 12 percentage points more often than nonunion members, and nonunion members in union households vote 3 percentage points more often than individuals in nonunion households.[17] In addition, union members are more likely to donate to charity, attend community meetings, participate in a neighborhood project, and volunteer for an organization.[18]

Conclusion

Increased unionization has the potential to contribute to the reversal of the stark increase in inequality seen over the last half century. In turn, increased financial stability to those in the middle or bottom of the income distribution could alleviate borrowing constraints, allowing workers to start businesses, build human capital, and exploit investment opportunities.[19] Reducing inequality can also promote economic resilience by reducing the financial fragility of the bottom 95 percent of the income distribution, making these Americans less sensitive to negative income shocks and thus lessening economic volatility.[20] In short, unions can promote economy-wide growth and resilience.

All in all, the evidence presented in Treasury’s report challenges the view that worker empowerment holds back economic prosperity. In addition to their effect on the economy through more equality, unions can have a positive effect on productivity through employee engagement and union voice effects, providing a road map for the type of union campaigns that could lead to additional growth.[21] One such example found that patient outcomes improved in hospitals where registered nurses unionized.[22]

The Biden-Harris Administration recognizes the benefits of unions to the middle class and the broader economy and has taken actions, outlined in Treasury’s report, to empower workers. There have been promising signs: union petitions in 2022 rose to their highest level since 2015,[23] and public opinion in support of unions is at its highest level in over 50 years.[24] The evidence summarized here and in Treasury’s report suggest these burgeoning signs of strengthening worker power are good news for the middle class and the economy as a whole. 

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