This year, a rare burst of union momentum produced some major victories – along with some losses and significant fights with employers.
Starbucks and Amazon were far from alone facing major union drives. As unemployment remained low and wages grew, workers in education and healthcare, food service and retail continued the pandemic-era push for higher pay, better sick leave and other changes to their working conditions. But tangible results are hard to quantify — so far. 2023 may tell us a lot more about the durability and clout of the resurgent labor movement.
Here’s some of what happened this year.
1. The number of union elections soared in 2022 — and unions won most of them.
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2. Companies mounted forceful counter campaigns, and some are working.
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3. Most of those union victories haven’t led to collective-bargaining contracts yet.
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4. Some union workers got big raises, even keeping up with inflation.
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5. Americans approve of unions at levels not seen since the 1960s – but next year’s economy looms large
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R&I ~ MJM
FoundingFrog
Article URL : https://www.npr.org/2022/12/27/1145090566/labor-unions-organizing-elections-worker-rights-wages