According to figures released by the National Labor Relations Board, there has been a significant increase in petitions by workers seeking union representation during President Joe Biden's administration. The data shows that there were 3,286 petitions filed in fiscal 2024, which is a notable rise from the 1,638 petitions filed in 2021. This surge marks the first increase in unionization petitions during a presidential term since the administration of Gerald Ford, nearly five decades ago.
Contrasting the current trend, union petitions experienced a decline of 22% during the presidency of Donald Trump. President Biden attributed the rise in petitions to his administration's support for workers, emphasizing the importance of unions in fostering a healthy economy. He highlighted his administration's efforts to counter previous policies that were perceived as detrimental to workers' rights.
Vice President Kamala Harris, who is the Democratic nominee, is actively seeking union support to mobilize voters for the upcoming presidential election. In contrast, former President Trump's appeal to blue-collar workers, particularly through his stance on tariffs, has resonated with some unionized workers despite his track record in office.
In the 2020 election, only 16% of voters belonged to a union household. Biden secured the majority of this demographic, with 56% of union households supporting him compared to Trump's 42%. The margin of support in union households is expected to play a crucial role in determining the outcomes of closely contested races in key states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
Furthermore, workers have shown an increased willingness to report perceived unfair labor practices. The National Labor Relations Board reported a total of 24,578 cases received by its field offices in the last fiscal year, marking the highest number in over a decade.
