Early 1900s (Turn of the Century)
- Around the turn of the 20th century, union membership in the United States was relatively low, hovering at around 5-10% of the workforce.
1930s-1950s (Union Organization and Growth)
- The Great Depression ushered in a period of widespread union organizing, fueled by the hardships of the time.
- The National Labor Relations Act (Wagner Act) of 1935 provided crucial legal protections for union organizing and collective bargaining, leading to a significant surge in union membership.
- By the 1950s, union membership had reached its peak, encompassing approximately 35% of the workforce.
1960s-1970s (Challenges and Stagnation)
- Economic changes, shifts in the industrial landscape, and employer opposition contributed to challenges in maintaining high levels of union membership.
- Despite legal protections, unionization became increasingly difficult in many sectors.
- The Civil Rights Movement and women's rights activism expanded the focus beyond traditional industrial unions, but challenges persisted.
1980s-1990s (Decline and Restructuring)
- The U.S. economy experienced a transformation with a transition from manufacturing to service-based industries, where organizing workers was more challenging.
- The conservative political climate under President Ronald Reagan was generally less favorable to unions.
- Union membership rates witnessed a steady decline, reaching around 10-12% of the workforce by the end of the 1990s.
In summary, union membership rates went through a substantial rise during the early decades of the 20th century, influenced by organizing efforts, legal frameworks, and economic conditions. However, various challenges and economic changes in later years contributed to a gradual decline in union membership in the United States.