/Lower unionization over the last 40 years decreased wages by 7.9%

Lower unionization over the last 40 years decreased wages by 7.9%

Posted April 12, 2021 at 6:00 am

Lower unionization over the last 40 years decreased wages by 7.9%

The suppression of collective bargaining over the last four decades has ushered in a new era of inequality—one that impacts all workers, not just union members.

In 1979, 27.0% of workers were covered by union contracts. By 2019, that number had dropped to 11.6%. New research finds that this single factor dragged down the typical full-time workers’ wages by over $3,000/year.