US labor unions saw membership gains in 2025, mostly in states with bargaining protections
Summary
Union membership in the US rose by 411,000 in 2025, the biggest increase since 2008. Most of the growth happened in states that protect workers' rights to join and negotiate with unions, while states with "right-to-work" laws saw smaller gains.Key Facts
- Union membership grew by 411,000 members in 2025.
- States with collective bargaining protections added nearly 305,000 union members.
- States with "right-to-work" laws, which allow workers to avoid paying union dues, added about 107,000 members.
- Union membership rates are almost three times higher in states with protections compared to states with "right-to-work" laws.
- In 2025, 16.5 million US workers were in unions, the highest in 16 years, making up 11.2% of wage earners.
- Workers in states with collective bargaining rights earn about 8% more after adjusting for living costs.
- In 2025, 19 states passed 88 laws expanding workers’ rights, including paid sick leave and protections for warehouse workers.
- Public support for unions is high, with 71% approval and many young workers interested in joining unions.
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