Percentage of Union Membership Increases Across the State

Albany, NY - The new Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data released today finds the percentage of workers in New York State who belong to unions grew a full percentage point from 21.0 percent in 2019 to 22.0 percent in 2020.

“New York State continues to be among the states with the highest union membership rates in the country,” said Mario Cilento, president of the New York State AFL-CIO.

“Amidst a health crisis we saw a higher percentage of workers join unions to ensure they have a voice on the job to not only negotiate for better wages and benefits but for better and safer working conditions.

“Now, more than ever, union membership is the best way for working people to get ahead; particularly at a time when more workers are putting their own lives at risk to do their jobs during the continuing Coronavirus pandemic.

“The New York State AFL-CIO remains committed to fighting for all working people to help grow and improve the middle class.

“And we will continue to be laser focused on ensuring the safety of our members and all workers throughout this crisis,” Cilento said.

https://www.bls.gov/news.release/union2.nr0.htm