US labor unions saw membership gains in 2025, mostly in states with bargaining protections
Uptick in US union membership coincides with high public approval ratings of unions
TL;DR
- Union membership in the US increased by 411,000 in 2025, the largest gain since 2008.
- Most membership gains were concentrated in states with collective bargaining protections, which saw nearly 305,000 new members.
- States with "right-to-work" laws, which allow workers to opt out of dues, added only about 107,000 members.
- Union density increased nationally from 9.9% to 10.0% in 2025.
- Public approval of labor unions is high, with 71% of Americans approving.
- Workers in states with collective bargaining protections earn 8% more on average than those in "right-to-work" states.
- "Right-to-work" laws originated from a movement in the 1940s and 1950s championed by conservative activist Vance Muse.
- Young workers show a high trust in unions, with 57% of non-union young workers stating they would join if possible.