AFSCME: Bureau of Labor Statistics: Union Membership Remains Steady

BY AFSCME STAFF JANUARY 18, 2019 EXPLORE THE ISSUES JANUS V. AFSCME LABOR MOVEMENT
The Bureau of Labor Statistics released its annual data on union membership today, and it affirmed that workers remain steadfast in their desire to stick with their union and join together for a better life. The data show membership in public sector unions remains steady, which, taken in the context of last summer’s Janus decision, represents a victory for the labor movement and a setback for anti-worker special interests.
In a joint statement issued today with three other public service unions – the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the National Education Association (NEA) and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) – AFSCME President Lee Saunders said:
“Momentum is on our side. Public support for unions is at its highest level in 15 years, and elected officials nationwide are embracing unionism as the key to unrigging an economy that overwhelmingly favors the privileged and powerful over working families. Our challenge now is to make it easier for working people to join unions—the one way for workers to get the dignity and respect they deserve.”
As workers across the country are taking action to demand greater respect, this recent news offers further proof that the people who keep our communities running won’t be silenced anytime soon.