Analyzing the Union Decline in the U.S.
Presenter(s)
Jack Larsen
Abstract
There are three popular explanations for the steady decline in union representation in the U.S. The first is explained by a dedicated effort from employers dissuading their employees from organizing or structurally making it harder for them to. A second explanation to this is that legislation has played a role in the downturn. Finally, some scholars explain it as a slippery slope, where less density leads to less awareness and support. This study analyzes the decline in union density in the United States and variables that have shaped union organizing ability. The study also looks at correlations between factors that may have contributed to the difficulty to organize. The hypothesis I included also provided that a majority of union qualifying workers would prefer to be represented, so the union density decline would have to be based on external factors. The analysis is tested with data relating to union membership trends.
College
College of Liberal Arts
Department
Political Science & Public Administration
Campus
Winona
First Advisor/Mentor
Elissa Alzate
Location
Kryzsko Great River Ballroom, Winona, Minnesota; United States
Start Date
4-23-2026 9:00 AM
End Date
4-23-2026 10:00 AM
Presentation Type
Poster Session
Format of Presentation or Performance
In-Person
Session
1a=9am-10am
Poster Number
45
Analyzing the Union Decline in the U.S.
Kryzsko Great River Ballroom, Winona, Minnesota; United States
There are three popular explanations for the steady decline in union representation in the U.S. The first is explained by a dedicated effort from employers dissuading their employees from organizing or structurally making it harder for them to. A second explanation to this is that legislation has played a role in the downturn. Finally, some scholars explain it as a slippery slope, where less density leads to less awareness and support. This study analyzes the decline in union density in the United States and variables that have shaped union organizing ability. The study also looks at correlations between factors that may have contributed to the difficulty to organize. The hypothesis I included also provided that a majority of union qualifying workers would prefer to be represented, so the union density decline would have to be based on external factors. The analysis is tested with data relating to union membership trends.
Comments
Larsen, Jack A