According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, union membership nationwide dropped by 0.4 percent to 10.7 percent in 2016. However, in New Jersey, the work of our affiliates to organize and strengthen our collective voice is having an impact.
While the ratio of workers represented by unions in New Jersey remained flat at 16.6 percent, the proportion of workers who are members of a union grew from 15.4 to 16.1 percent between 2015 and 2016. In other words, more workers are seeing the value of exercising their collective voice and going the additional step of becoming dues paying members to strengthen the bargaining position of their local unions.
During these turbulent and unpredictable times, workers are realizing that the key to stability lies in a strong and collective voice. Despite the attacks that we will face from the Trump administration, when working people stand together, we can have an impactful voice.
We are extremely proud that New Jersey unions are leading the way and continuing to build a movement of solidarity that will ensure all working people can improve their lives, wages, and standards of living.
While there is still much work to be done, we thank our affiliates for continuing to demonstrate the resolve to build the labor movement for current and future generations.