Share of unionized U.S. workers hit record low in 2023

The level of unionized workers in the U.S. hit a record low of 10% in 2023, despite some high-profile labor actions.

According to new numbers released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the percentage of Americans who were part of a union last year was down slightly from the previous record low of 10.1%, in 2022.

In total, there are about 14.4 million union employees across the country. There were actually more union workers in 2023 than the previous year but, because job growth was faster than the rise in total union membership, the percentage still declined. 

Unions have been on a steady decline since the 1980s when heavy restrictions and employer resistance impeded organizations. 

According to the bureau’s numbers, 2023 marked the lowest level of unionization since the Bureau of Labor Statistics first reported comparable figures in 1983. At that time, the unionization rate stood at around 20%.

The numbers might be surprising for some after a year of high-profile labor actions by prominent unions. The United Auto Workers, Screen Actors Guild and the Writers Guild of America all staged massive strikes that sparked national conversations about the role of labor unions. 

Starbucks and Amazon’s respective unions also made headlines as they continued to negotiate for a contract. At the same time, airline pilots’ unions signed historic agreements, securing large pay and benefit raises.