The Future of Unions: A Turning Point for Workers

Union membership in the U.S. is at a historic low. According to USAFacts, only 9.9 percent of workers—about 14.3 million people—were union members in 2024, the lowest rate in nearly 40 years . Public-sector workers are still much more likely to belong to unions (about one in three) compared to private-sector workers (just one in 17).

But the numbers don’t tell the whole story. While traditional union membership has declined, the energy around worker organizing may be shifting. Gartner projects a 1000 percent increase in labor organization among office workers in the coming years. That means employees in tech, media, and other non-unionized industries are finding new ways to come together to demand fair treatment, better pay, and a stronger voice in their workplaces. These workers are discovering what many have long known: the most effective way to protect their rights and dignity on the job is through collective action.

What rights do you have to organize?

Private sector workers have broad protections under federal law to join together and advocate for better conditions.

Under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA):

• You have the right to talk with your coworkers about pay, benefits, and workplace concerns.

• You can join a union, start a union, or take part in other collective activities to improve your workplace.

• Your employer cannot retaliate against you for organizing, discussing working conditions, or supporting a union.

Even if you don’t belong to a union, these rights protect your ability to act with others to address workplace issues.

Know your rights in Washington

Washington State goes further than federal law, offering additional protections. Washington’s Public Employees’ Collective Bargaining Act gives most state, county, and municipal employees the right to organize, join unions, and bargain collectively. In addition,  state law bars employers from firing, disciplining, or otherwise retaliating against employees for engaging in concerted activity, even if they are not union members.

Have you been discriminated or retaliated against for protected concerted activity? Contact us for a free consultation today.