The Union Advantage: Why State Protections Matter

For years, labor unions in the US were in decline. However, 2025 marked a turning point, with union membership increasing by 411,000 members – the largest gain since 2008 – according to a report from the Illinois Economic Policy Institute and the Project for Middle Class Renewal at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

State laws protecting collective bargaining rights are a key factor behind this uptick. States like California, New York, and Michigan have long been union-friendly, but others are now following suit. Most of the membership gains were concentrated in these states, where workers can negotiate fair wages and benefits without fear of being undercut by “right-to-work” laws.

“Right-to-work” laws allow workers to opt out of paying union dues while still enjoying the benefits of a collectively bargained contract. However, this sounds great on paper but is often used as a tool for corporations to drive down wages and erode worker protections. In states like Arizona, Texas, and Florida, “right-to-work” laws have led to stagnant wages and reduced union membership.

Data shows that workers in states with collective bargaining protections earn higher wages – 8% more than their counterparts in “right-to-work” states. This translates to thousands of dollars less per year for the median full-time worker – a staggering $4,000 difference between the two groups. The report highlights how workers are turning to unions as a bulwark against rising living costs.

The trend suggests that workers are increasingly recognizing the value of collective action in securing fair wages and benefits. Economist Frank Manzo IV notes: “The data consistently shows that workers earn higher wages when they are union members and work in states that protect collective bargaining rights.”

This shift underscores the need for policymakers to prioritize worker protections over corporate interests. While some argue that “right-to-work” laws are essential for economic growth, evidence suggests otherwise. Research has shown that labor unions raise average wages by 8% nationally and workers in states with protections earn higher wages after accounting for cost of living differences.

Policymakers must take notice and start prioritizing worker rights. As Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, noted ahead of Labor Day: “Shit’s too expensive.” Four out of five workers told her poll that paychecks aren’t keeping up with the cost of living – a reality compounded by CEOs’ astronomical salaries (312 times that of median workers).

In 2025, 19 US states passed laws expanding workers’ rights, including paid sick leave and medical leave in Virginia, warehouse worker protections in Connecticut, and banning non-compete agreements in Washington. This shift is clear: the tide is turning.

As we mark Labor Day this year, let’s remember that the union advantage is not just about higher wages; it’s about a fairer economy, where workers have a voice in shaping their own destiny. With growing public approval ratings of unions – 71% of Americans now approve, according to a recent Gallup poll – it’s clear that the momentum is on our side.

However, there’s still much work to be done. It’s time for policymakers to get on board and start prioritizing worker protections. For too long, corporations have held sway over the labor landscape – but with growing public support and a rising tide of union membership, it’s clear that workers are taking back their power.