Union Membership Declines in 2009
According to a recent report issued by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, union membership in the private sector declined by .4%, from 7.6% to 7.2%, representing 834,000 jobs. The drop could be attributed to the high unemployment levels the country is experiencing as a result of the economic downturn. Unions, however, are using the information in the report as a call to action, citing the need to pass the Employee Free choice Act (EFCA) and increase their efforts to increase union membership. The EFCA, which is currently dormant in Congress, would make it easier for unions to organize by taking away the secret ballot election. Employers should remain vigilant, however, in assessing their own workplace strengths and weaknesses and take necessary action to promote a safe and healthy work environment for their employees.
For more detailed information on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report, see http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/union2.pdf