Union Elections Surge In A Hopeful Sign For Labor

Source: Huff Post

Oct 15, 2024, 10:38 AM EDT


More U.S. workers appear to be turning to unions in hopes of improving their jobs. On Tuesday, federal officials reported a 29% jump in union election petitions during the most recent fiscal year, rising from 2,593 in 2023 to 3,286 in 2024. The increase is part of a yearslong trend at the National Labor Relations Board, the agency that oversees private sector union elections and enforces collective bargaining rights.

The NLRB said the number of petitions it’s received has more than doubled since 2021, when the board was reshaped following President Joe Biden’s victory over former President Donald Trump. Workers can file election requests once at least 30% of the workplace has signed union authorization cards. Employers can also request that a vote be held if a majority of workers make it clear they want to unionize.

Jennifer Abruzzo, the labor board’s general counsel, said the uptick was a testament to workers “knowing and exercising their rights” and to the work of the board’s staff. She also said the agency is starved for resources at a time of increased labor activism, jeopardizing its mission of protecting workers’ rights. When the NLRB faced a similar caseload back in 2011, it had 62% more field staff, according to the agency.

“I urge Congress to fully fund the NLRB so that employers, unions and workers receive prompt and meaningful case resolutions,” Abruzzo said in a statement.

Read more: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/union-election-petitions-increase-2024_n_670d854ce4b0ce20754b64ca