Is the US labor movement prepared for Gen Z
Organized Labor at a Crossroads: Gen Z’s Impact on Unions
Organized labor in America is facing a critical juncture. While the union membership rate hit a record low of 10.1% in 2022, there has been a notable increase in Americans’ approval of unions since 2012. This shift in sentiment is particularly significant as the latest generation, Gen Z, enters the workforce with a strong pro-union stance. Gen Z’s support for unions surpasses that of previous generations, and they have already demonstrated their commitment by organizing student workers on college campuses and baristas at Starbucks locations nationwide.
Gen Z’s fervent support for unions is part of their broader inclination towards political activism. This generation has shown a passion for fighting for change on various issues, from climate change to gun control. As American labor unions grapple with their role as negotiators for workers or as advocates for progressive causes, it is evident that Gen Z will align themselves with the latter. Their dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, with 74% considering it a top priority, suggests that they will use the power of organized labor to implement these policies in workplaces.
Teachers’ unions have already embraced activism, with the National Education Association promoting teaching resources on pro-LGBTQ+ topics and the Oakland Education Association endorsing a ‘teach-in’ in support of Gaza. If the majority of young Americans who consider Hamas’ actions justified join unions, they may support similar actions in the future.
The Diversion of Unions: From Workers to Politics
However, as unions increasingly prioritize political agendas over the needs of their members, the representation of actual union members suffers. Major labor unions often spend more on political activities and lobbying than on representing their members. For instance, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) spent $63.5 million on political activities, more than double its expenditure on member representation. This trend of diverting resources away from workers towards unrelated political causes is concerning.
As a member of Gen Z, it is disheartening to witness the entanglement of labor unions and partisan politics. Instead of focusing on the genuine needs of their members, unions advocate for policies that align with their Democratic allies, often neglecting practical concerns. This undermines the collective bargaining process and leaves regular union members without proper representation.
While Gen Z’s mindset may dominate, there is hope in the workers across the country who resist this mentality. Organizations like Americans for Fair Treatment have members who stand against union pressure and fight for the individual rights of all employees, including teachers, law enforcement, and public servants.
It is clear that the American labor movement has lost its way, and Gen Z does not appear poised to rectify it anytime soon. However, the pushback from workers who prioritize their rights offers a glimmer of hope for a more balanced and effective labor movement.
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Andrew Breschard is the Community Manager at Americans for Fair Treatment, a national nonprofit that educates public employees about their rights in a unionized workplace.
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.
What actions can unions take to actively support social and political causes, such as the Black Lives Matter movement, the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, and the push for climate action, in order to meet the expectations of Gen Z?
An on representing their members in negotiations. This shift has not gone unnoticed by Gen Z, who value the tangible benefits that unions can provide, including better wages, improved working conditions, and job security.
While the recent surge in approval of unions indicates a growing recognition of their importance, it also presents a challenge for organized labor. Gen Z’s pro-union stance may not align with the direction some unions have taken in recent years. This generation prioritizes issues such as income inequality, climate change, racial justice, and gender equality, which may require unions to broaden their scope beyond traditional collective bargaining.
Historically, unions have been instrumental in securing workers’ rights, but the current landscape demands a more holistic approach. Unions need to adapt their strategies to address the concerns of Gen Z, who value inclusivity, social justice, and environmental sustainability. This may entail forging alliances with other progressive movements and advocating for broader societal change.
One example of this shift is the growing demand for unions to take a stance on social and political issues. In recent years, there have been calls for unions to support causes such as the Black Lives Matter movement, the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, and the push for climate action. Gen Z’s support for these causes implies that they expect their unions to be active participants in advocating for social progress.
To stay relevant in the eyes of Gen Z, unions must also address the challenges of the modern workplace. The rise of gig work, automation, and the gig economy presents new obstacles for workers that traditional union structures may not adequately address. Gen Z expects unions to adapt to these evolving labor market dynamics and fight for protections and benefits that are relevant to their generation.
In conclusion, Gen Z’s presence in the labor force represents both an opportunity and a challenge for organized labor. Their pro-union stance indicates a desire for change and a recognition of the power of collective action. However, unions must adapt to meet the expectations of this generation, which prioritizes social justice, inclusivity, and environmental sustainability. By aligning themselves with these values and addressing the unique challenges facing Gen Z workers, unions can harness the potential of this generation to revitalize organized labor and ensure its relevance in the 21st century.
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