We are pleased to share good news for New Jersey’s labor movement: The Bureau of Labor Statistics Annual Union Membership Report released Friday, January 23, 2015, shows the percentage of workers in our state represented by unions has risen to 17.2 percent, the sixth-highest of any state in the country.
The report shows an increase in union density in about half the states from 2013 to 2014. New Jersey now has 664,000 workers represented by unions, up from 632,000 workers the prior year, when union density was 16.6 percent.
“The credit for the increase in union representation in New Jersey goes to our affiliates, whose collective efforts, smart outreach and dedicated organizing are helping our communities rebound and grow,” said New Jersey State AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech. “Working families know that unions help build strong communities by advocating for permanent, family sustaining jobs and fighting to give workers a voice. We’re encouraged that more workers see the labor movement as the foundation on which good jobs and strong communities are built.”
Only Alaska, California, Hawaii, New York and Washington have a higher percentage of their workforce represented by unions than New Jersey.
Together we have achieved important legislative and political victories over the past year, such as passing Buy American legislation, advancing a statewide earned sick leave bill and seeing 35 labor-endorsed candidates win political elections, including IBEW brother Donald Norcross, who was elected to Congress.
There is strength in numbers, and these achievements would not have been possible without the unwavering support and commitment of our affiliates to keep our labor movement in New Jersey vibrant, strong and growing.
CLICK HERE to read the Bureau of Labor Statistics report.