The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) has released findings showing a clear connection between higher union membership and better economic, community, and democratic conditions across U.S. states. Regions with greater worker representation through unions tend to have higher earnings, broader access to health coverage, and fewer limitations on voting rights. n nWhen employees organize collectively and negotiate with employers, they often secure improvements in pay, benefits, and workplace safety, according to the EPI. Union agreements are associated with multiple advantages: increased compensation, narrower racial wage disparities, reduced income inequality, enhanced workplace safety, better retirement security, and stronger protections for women’s wages. n nBeyond workplace representation, high union density contributes to healthier communities. States where union membership is more prevalent typically have higher minimum wages and median household incomes—on average over $12,000 greater than in states with low union presence. These areas also experience smaller declines in employer-sponsored retirement plans, wider access to health insurance, more widespread availability of paid sick leave, and stronger unemployment benefits. n nAdditionally, such states invest more in education, protect reproductive rights more effectively, and enact fewer restrictive voting laws. n nThe data strongly suggests that robust labor organizations empower workers and strengthen societal foundations. Expanding union membership isn’t merely a labor issue—it’s a strategy for lifting entire communities and families. n nIn an era marked by growing economic disparity and threats to democratic norms, unions play a vital role in mobilizing working people, countering misinformation, and defending civic engagement. n nRevitalizing worker power through stronger collective bargaining is not only sound economic policy—it is essential for preserving democracy amid rising authoritarian trends.
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The Economic Policy Institute Reports On ‘Strong Unions, Stronger Communities & Democracy’
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – There is an undeniable correlation between higher levels of Unionization and stronger economic, community and Democratic outcomes, according to the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), as States with a larger share of Workers represented by a Union enjoy higher incomes, greater access to health insurance and fewer voting restrictions. n nWhen Workers join together in a Union and collectively bargain with their employer, they can improve their pay, benefits and working conditions, the EPI says. n nUnion contracts provide Workers with: Higher wages: Higher wages for Women; Reduced racial wage gaps: Reduced income inequality: Healthier and safer workplaces; and a Secure retirement. n nAnd Unions do more than just give Workers a voice at work – high Union Density also shapes the strength and the health of our communities. n nFor example, States with high Union Density experience: Higher minimum wages; Higher incomes – Median household incomes in high Union Density States are more than $12,000 higher, on average, than median incomes in low Union-Density States; Greater access to retirement security – States with smaller declines in Union Density experienced smaller reductions in employer-provided retirement plans; Greater access to health insurance; Greater access to Paid Sick Leave; Greater access to Unemployment Insurance; More spending on education; Safeguarding reproductive freedom; and Fewer Voting Restriction Laws. n nThe evidence is clear: When Unions are strong, Workers have more power and communities thrive. n nBuilding Union Density is not just a Worker or workplace issue – it is also a mechanism to uplift families and communities. n nIn the face of rising inequality and authoritarianism, Unions organize, educate and mobilize Working People to defend voting rights, push back against disinformation and expand civic participation. n nRebuilding Worker Power by strengthening Unions is not just good policy – it is a Democratic imperative in the face of authoritarian backsliding.