The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the U.S. unionization rate fell from 10.3% in 2021 to 10.1% which is the lowest recorded rate in history. While the number of unionized workers increased by 273,000, the number of workers in total increased by 5.3 million, the majority of which were non-union workers. Non-union workers make only 85% of the median weekly earnings compared to their unionized counterparts.
The news comes as the U.S. has experienced a prolonged historical decline in the unionization of its labor force. For example, in 1983, the unionization rate in the country was at 20.1% of the workforce. From this time the unionization rate has been on a prolonged decline and is currently at the lowest rate ever recorded.
While the capitalists continue to reap massive profits, the workers movement in the United States as represented by trade unionization statistics has never been weaker. The capitalist class has been successful in undermining worker organization and non-militant unions have failed to even maintain stability. It is important for workers and union organizers to acknowledge that the historical tactics have not been successful at achieving gains for the working class. It is necessary to organize under the principles of Marxism-Leninism if the workers are to have a chance at improving their situation and ultimately ending capitalist exploitation.
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