Weighing Labor Unions

After reviewing some articles found online, specifically posted from the U.S. Department of Treasury, there is data to support the notion that unions have the ability to strengthen the middle class sector; however, there are challenges that are presented to each organization as well if they choose to hire workers that are represented by a union. Beginning with the pros, unions have statistically proven to strengthen the middle class in America by increasing the financial stability of these households by keeping up with wages which overall helps decrease levels of financial inequality (Labor unions and the U.S. economy, 2025). However, on the other side of the coin, the same increase in labor wages, created challenges for organizations to maintain elevated levels of profitability and in some cases compromise the total headcount the organization is able to hire. Another benefit found linked to unionized organizations is that they assist in promoting higher standards of health among their members. Common union contract language promotes these elevated health standards through elements such as PTO levels, wage compensation, workplace safety, healthcare coverage, and training (Hagedorn et al., 2016). This is not to say that business organizations that do not work alongside union workers cannot achieve the same levels of health, safety, or provide adequate wage compensation, the articles just demonstrate it can be more challenging for private sector workers to achieve the same standards in these categories if they’re not unionized. Personally, I believe unions have a place in the workforce but may be more well suited for certain trades, larger businesses, or occupancies than others which is why personally in my situation I would not consider joining one at this time or position in my career.

Hagedorn, J., Paras, C. A., Greenwich, H., & Hagopian, A. (2016). The role of labor unions in creating working conditions that promote public health. American Journal of Public Health, 106(6), 989–995. https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.2016.303138

Labor unions and the U.S. economy. (2025, February 8). U.S. Department of The Treasury. https://home.treasury.gov/news/featured-stories/labor-unions-and-the-us-economy

Written By: