State of the Unions Growing or Fading?

[OT+]

Looks like we still have to do much better. With the amazing popularity of Unions right now, what has to happen to see that popularity translate to growth?

[Dudeman44]

People need ideas for motivation. Unions only have "collective power" which contradicts individual liberty. Which is a hard sell when "collective power" has been politically dubious and bureaucratic. It's not even a particularly strong form of collectivism either. People feel like they are way more part of a collective at like a concert. Until unions connect with some bigger ideas or come up with some of their own then I would not expect a dramatic reversal.

[OT+]

People need ideas for motivation. Unions only have "collective power" which contradicts individual liberty. Which is a hard sell when "collective power" has been politically dubious and bureaucratic. It's not even a particularly strong form of collectivism either. People feel like they are way more part of a collective at like a concert. Until unions connect with some bigger ideas or come up with some of their own then I would not expect a dramatic reversal.

Dudeman makes a good point but things are changing. Look at the amazing growth of DSA, the younger generation of workers has a better understanding of collective action. Right now young worker see unions favorably by over 70 %. It certainly remains to be seen if any of these independent organizing efforts result in labor agreements, but there should be reason for optimism if we as Teamsters take advantage of this moment.

[Dudeman44]

Look at the amazing growth of DSA

The DSA has been hemorrhaging members since Biden was elected. Which tells me that its growth since 2016 had more to do with anti-Trump-ism and disappointment with the Hillary campaign, than did with any unique ideas the DSA might have had.

Right now young worker see unions favorably by over 70 %

In principle, yes. But ever since the media has been running stories on this, where have the successful unionization efforts actually been? Mostly in new, independent start-ups -- Starbucks Workers United, Amazon Labor Union, etc. They do not really seem to be turning to the established unions.