Labor Day 2024: A Big Year for Unions

As we celebrate Labor Day 2024, it's clear that this year has been a game-changer for the working class. Unions have made a big comeback, winning significant battles across industries and pushing through legislative changes impacting employers in many states.

Major Headlines in the Auto Industry

Last November, the United Auto Workers (UAW) made headlines with a historic strike against Stellantis, General Motors, and Ford.

The result? Contracts that will boost wages by at least 25% over the next four years. Long-time workers will see even more significant gains, with pay set to rise by about 33%. For some newer and temporary employees, pay will more than double.

But the UAW didn't stop there. Five months later, they scored another big win by unionizing the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee—marking the first unionized auto plant in the South since the 1940s. 

Significant Gains in the Service Sector

Disneyland workers also made headlines this year. In May, 1,700 character and parade workers formed a new union, Magic United. Shortly after, 14,000 other Disneyland employees secured a 31% wage increase—the largest in the company's history. This win shows the power of collective action in sectors like entertainment and hospitality, where workers have been pushing for fair pay for years.

Similarly, Southwest Airlines flight attendants ratified a contract that increased their wages by 33% over the next four years. This clearly indicates the growing influence of unions in the airline industry.

After several years of discord, Starbucks agreed to begin negotiations with Starbucks Workers United. 

The hospitality industry saw thousands of hotel workers at major chains like Hyatt, Hilton, and Marriott go on strike, demanding better wages, improved working conditions, and affordable housing. This strike is one of the largest in the sector's history and highlights the growing discontent among service workers as they push back against low pay and challenging working conditions.

Telecommunications Workers Take a Stand

In the Southeast, AT&T workers have been on strike for three weeks, fighting for fairer wages, better working conditions, and job security. This strike is part of a broader wave of labor unrest across the U.S., showing that workers are increasingly willing to stand up against corporate practices they see as unfair.

Legislative and Broader Union Successes

On the legislative front, unions have secured important wins, with states like Illinois and Washington passing laws banning captive audience meetings. These new laws are a significant shift in the legal landscape, allegedly giving workers more protection as they organize. But they also reduce the ability of employers to educate their employees on the realities of joining a union.

Nationally, union success rates in elections have surged. According to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), unions won 80% of their elections in the first half of 2024. Increased worker activism and favorable NLRB policies help drive this high success rate.

A New Era for Unions

The popularity of unions continues to grow. A recent Gallup poll shows that 67% of Americans support labor unions, with a record 61% believing unions benefit the economy. More than 75% of private sector organizing efforts from mid-2023 to mid-2024 resulted in union victories, underscoring the growing strength and influence of the labor movement.