Unions: Good for Democracies and Economies

This week, we’re proud to partner with Labor Lab, a nonprofit watchdog organization tracking anti-union activity across the United States, to launch a special five-part series. Together, we’re pulling back the curtain on one of the most secretive corners of corporate America: the union-busting industry.

At the center of it all are “persuaders”—high-paid consultants hired to dissuade workers from organizing. Over the next several editions, we’ll explore who these persuaders are, how they operate, and why their influence is growing just as more workers are demanding a voice on the job.

You can watch the first video in our collaborative 5-part series here!:

Unions have shaped the American workplace and democracy for more than a century. From the eight-hour workday to paid holidays, these hard-won gains didn’t happen by accident. They were fought for in picket lines, bargaining rooms, and the halls of Congress. And while some argue that unions are relics of the past, the facts show they remain as vital today as ever.

A Legacy Forged in Struggle

Until the 20th century, a six-day workweek was the norm. It was only through the tireless efforts of labor organizers that Americans came to expect two days off each week and protections like overtime pay. The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 established a 40-hour workweek, banned child labor, and created the minimum wage, each a victory driven by union advocacy.

Even the holiday we now celebrate as Labor Day originated from a union demonstration. In 1882, the first Labor Day parade marched through New York City, organized by the Central Labor Union. The event laid the foundation for a national day recognizing the contributions of American workers.

The Union Premium

Union workers consistently earn more than their non-union peers, often 10% to 30% percent more when accounting for industry and job type. In recent years, that wage boost has hovered around 13.5 percent, with union women seeing a 9.5 percent pay advantage. But it’s not just about the paycheck. Union members are far more likely to have employer-sponsored health care, pensions, and paid leave.

These benefits uplift not just individuals, but communities. With more disposable income, union households contribute more to local economies. Strong unions also set standards that help raise wages and conditions for non-union workers, creating ripple effects across industries.

Democracy at Work

Unions don’t just fight for better jobs, they strengthen democracy itself. Union members are more likely to vote, volunteer, and engage in civic life. They advocate for policies that support not just workers, but society at large: Social Security, Medicare, paid family leave, and fair labor laws. Historically, labor unions have often been at the forefront of democratic reform. The eight-hour day? Fought for by unions. The push for universal healthcare? Still championed by labor. Unions turn out voters and build coalitions. When workers are organized, democracy becomes more inclusive.

Unions as Reformers

Despite claims that unions stifle innovation, research shows unionized workplaces often experience lower turnover, higher productivity, and better training. Stability created through collective bargaining can actually improve performance and reduce costs over time. Today’s unions are not stuck in the past. They’re evolving. From organizing gig workers to advocating for transparency in how artificial intelligence is used in hiring and evaluation, labor organizations are finding new ways to protect workers in emerging industries. They’re fighting for fair rules around algorithms and automation to ensure no one gets left behind.

Introducing the Persuader Industry

But while unions push forward, a multi-million dollar industry works behind the scenes to push back. Anti-union consultants, often hired by large corporations, deploy tactics like captive-audience meetings, misinformation campaigns, and drawn-out legal delays to undermine organizing efforts.

These firms specialize in creating the appearance of neutrality while discouraging union membership. And they’ve grown increasingly sophisticated, especially as grassroots labor movements have surged in places like retail, tech, and logistics. Meanwhile, policy proposals from some corners of the political world threaten to strip away labor protections that took generations to establish.

The future of work is uncertain, but one truth remains. When workers stand together, they win. And in that solidarity lies not only the promise of fairer wages and safer workplaces, but also a stronger, more democratic society.

In our next installment, we’ll explore the secretive world of anti-union consulting, and the stories of workers who stood up to it.

Sources:

• How Unions Are Crucial for Building Working-Class Economic Power - CAP

• Unions are not only good for workers, they’re good for communities and for democracy - EPI

• 4 Ways Unions Make Our Economy and Democracy Stronger - CAP 

• Unions: The Best Fix to Poverty - CEPR

• Research shows labor unions help lower the risk of poverty - The Conversation

• Spotlight on Women in Unions: Poverty & Opportunity Data - Institute for Women’s Policy Research

• Why fascists hate trade unions - Counterfire

• Unions Protect Democracy. How Do We Protect Unions? - The Nation

• Workers' rights are vital to revitalizing democracy. Here's why - WEF

• Unions Are Democratically Organized, Corporations Are Not - CAP