List of Labor Unions in the United States

The labor movement in the United States has been a defining force in shaping the workplace, improving wages, strengthening workplace protections, and ensuring that employees have a collective voice. From the earliest guilds and trade associations to modern national federations, unions have played an essential role in advancing economic security and advocating for worker rights across industries. In 2025, labor unions continue to stand as both a stabilizing force and a catalyst for transformation in a rapidly evolving employment landscape, where automation, globalization, and shifts in corporate structures redefine the relationship between employers and employees. This article provides a comprehensive examination of the major labor unions in the United States, their historical context, their impact on the economy and society, and their current roles in influencing business, regulation, and labor rights.

Historical Context of American Labor Unions

The origins of organized labor in the United States stretch back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The rise of industrialization, particularly after the Civil War, brought workers together to fight for fair wages, safer conditions, and reasonable working hours. The American Federation of Labor (AFL), founded in 1886, was one of the earliest and most influential bodies, championing skilled workers’ rights and setting the stage for organized labor’s growth. In 1935, the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) emerged to represent industrial workers, eventually merging with the AFL in 1955 to create the AFL-CIO, still one of the most powerful federations today.

Unions historically secured landmark achievements such as the eight-hour workday, weekends off, and the establishment of occupational safety standards. Their influence extended beyond the workplace into politics, pushing for laws like the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, which established minimum wage protections and banned child labor. These historical gains continue to influence both union and non-union workers in 2025, shaping expectations of workplace fairness and protections.

Major National Labor Federations

AFL-CIO

The AFL-CIO remains the largest federation of unions in the United States, representing more than 12.5 million members. It includes unions from diverse industries such as education, healthcare, public service, manufacturing, and construction. The AFL-CIO serves as a coordinating body, advocating for pro-worker legislation, supporting collective bargaining, and engaging in political campaigns to advance worker-friendly policies. Learn more about its initiatives on the AFL-CIO official website.

Change to Win Federation

Founded in 2005 by unions that split from the AFL-CIO, the Change to Win Federation emphasizes organizing new workers, particularly in industries with high levels of non-union labor such as retail, food service, and logistics. While smaller in membership than the AFL-CIO, Change to Win unions like the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) have made significant impacts in advocating for healthcare workers, janitors, and low-wage service employees.

Prominent Individual Labor Unions

United Auto Workers (UAW)

The UAW has been a cornerstone of American industrial labor, particularly in the automotive sector. Founded in 1935, the union has represented workers at major carmakers such as General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis. In 2023 and 2024, the UAW secured significant wage gains and job security commitments through large-scale strikes that drew national attention. Their victories not only impacted the automotive industry but also signaled to workers in other sectors that collective bargaining remains a potent tool in an era of automation and electrification. Explore the industry landscape further at USA Update Technology.

International Brotherhood of Teamsters

The Teamsters union, established in 1903, represents more than 1.2 million workers across transportation, logistics, warehousing, and beyond. In 2023, the Teamsters negotiated a landmark agreement with UPS, securing better pay and improved working conditions for more than 300,000 delivery drivers. The Teamsters’ ongoing efforts also target emerging gig economy companies, attempting to expand representation for workers at platforms like Amazon and app-based delivery services.

Service Employees International Union (SEIU)

The SEIU, with nearly 2 million members, is one of the most politically active unions in the United States. It represents a wide range of service-sector workers, including healthcare professionals, janitors, security staff, and public employees. The union has been a leading voice in the Fight for $15 movement, pushing for higher minimum wages nationwide. In 2025, it continues to focus on ensuring healthcare access and fair pay for essential workers.

American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and National Education Association (NEA)

Education remains one of the most unionized sectors in the country. The AFT and the NEA collectively represent millions of teachers, school staff, and higher education professionals. These unions advocate not only for fair salaries but also for improved funding of public education and policies that enhance student learning environments. Their influence has been particularly strong in debates about school safety, remote learning, and teacher shortages in the post-pandemic years. For broader perspectives on the sector, see USA Update Education and Employment.

International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM)

The IAM represents workers in aerospace, defense, and related manufacturing industries. Its members work with major corporations such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Raytheon, playing a critical role in the U.S. defense and aerospace economy. Given the rising demand for aerospace innovation and space exploration in 2025, the IAM has maintained a strong presence in negotiations over wages, pensions, and technology integration.

United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW)

The UFCW represents more than 1.3 million workers in grocery stores, retail outlets, meatpacking plants, and healthcare facilities. It has played a key role in negotiating contracts for supermarket employees during and after the pandemic, ensuring hazard pay, healthcare coverage, and fair scheduling practices. Explore more about consumer-focused industries at USA Update Consumer Insights.

Role of Public-Sector Unions

Public-sector unions, including the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), are crucial in representing government workers at federal, state, and local levels. These unions have been at the forefront of protecting pensions, advocating for better staffing in critical public services, and defending collective bargaining rights against political challenges. In an era where debates about government spending and efficiency are increasingly prominent, these unions remain central to discussions about the balance between fiscal responsibility and fair treatment of public servants. For updates on government policy, see USA Update Regulation.

The Political and Economic Influence of Unions

Unions in the United States have long extended their reach beyond the workplace into the political arena. By mobilizing millions of members, funding campaigns, and lobbying policymakers, unions shape labor law, economic regulation, and even foreign trade policy. Their support has historically leaned toward Democratic candidates, but in recent years, some unions have strategically backed Republicans in specific local or state races where labor priorities align. This bipartisan influence reflects the complex economic interests unions represent in sectors ranging from manufacturing to healthcare.

Unions also play a key role in shaping the broader economy. By pushing for higher wages and better benefits, they directly impact consumer spending power, one of the engines of the U.S. economy. At the same time, their advocacy for workplace protections has contributed to higher standards across industries, even for non-union employees. These influences align closely with ongoing debates about inequality, wage stagnation, and the distribution of economic growth. Learn more about the economic implications at USA Update Economy.

Challenges Facing Labor Unions in 2025

Despite their long history of victories, labor unions in the United States face significant challenges in 2025. Membership density has declined from its peak in the mid-20th century, when more than one-third of the workforce was unionized, to less than 11% today. This decline has been driven by multiple factors, including globalization, the rise of non-traditional employment models, anti-union legislation, and shifting cultural attitudes toward organized labor.

Declining Union Membership

The decline in private-sector union membership has been especially sharp, with industries such as manufacturing, retail, and hospitality seeing major reductions in union representation. Many employers have actively resisted unionization through legal and political channels, taking advantage of regulatory loopholes and lobbying for laws that restrict collective bargaining. This has left unions in a constant struggle to recruit and retain members, even as public support for unions among younger workers has reached its highest levels in decades.

The Gig Economy and Precarious Work

The rapid rise of the gig economy, represented by companies like Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and Instacart, has created a new class of workers with limited protections and no traditional employee benefits. Gig workers are classified as independent contractors, making it extremely difficult for them to unionize under existing labor law. In 2025, unions are testing new organizing strategies to reach these workers, advocating for updated definitions of employment that would extend protections to non-traditional workers. This remains one of the most contested areas of modern labor law. Explore broader workforce trends at USA Update Jobs.

Technological Disruption

Automation, artificial intelligence, and robotics are reshaping industries where unions have traditionally been strongest. In manufacturing, logistics, and even white-collar jobs, automation reduces labor demand while creating new, highly technical roles that require advanced training. Unions face the dual challenge of protecting current members while preparing the workforce for reskilling and new forms of employment. Learn more about these shifts at USA Update Technology.

Legal and Regulatory Environment

Labor unions operate within a legal framework that both enables and restricts their activities. The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) of 1935 established the right of workers to organize and bargain collectively, but decades of amendments, judicial interpretations, and state-level legislation have eroded its scope.

Right-to-Work Laws

One of the most contentious legal issues is the prevalence of right-to-work laws, which exist in 27 states. These laws prohibit requiring union membership or dues as a condition of employment. While supporters argue that right-to-work laws provide individual freedom, unions contend that they weaken collective power by allowing employees to benefit from union contracts without contributing financially. This has led to significant resource constraints for unions in states with such laws.

The Role of the Supreme Court

Decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court have also reshaped union power, most notably the 2018 Janus v. AFSCME ruling, which barred public-sector unions from collecting fees from non-members. In 2025, new legal challenges continue to emerge around gig worker classification, collective bargaining rights in digital industries, and employer retaliation against organizing efforts. For more updates on regulatory shifts, visit USA Update Regulation.

High-Profile Strikes and Negotiations

Strikes remain one of the most visible and impactful tools of labor unions, and in recent years, major strikes have captured national attention.

The 2023–2024 UAW Strike

The UAW strike of 2023–2024, which lasted six weeks, targeted all three major Detroit automakers simultaneously for the first time in history. The strike secured historic wage increases of over 25% for auto workers and set new precedents for cost-of-living adjustments and electric vehicle plant inclusion. This action revitalized union confidence and inspired similar efforts in adjacent industries.

Teamsters vs. UPS

In 2023, the Teamsters nearly staged a nationwide strike against UPS, one of the largest private-sector labor negotiations in decades. The final agreement secured significant pay increases, better overtime protections, and improved working conditions. The success demonstrated the bargaining power of unions in logistics and transportation, industries critical to the U.S. supply chain. Learn more about logistics trends at USA Update Business.

Hollywood and Entertainment Strikes

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) staged prolonged strikes in 2023 that disrupted Hollywood for months. These strikes centered on issues such as residuals from streaming services, artificial intelligence protections, and healthcare benefits. Their outcomes reshaped the entertainment industry and reaffirmed unions’ role in defending creative professionals. For more on entertainment industry updates, see USA Update Entertainment.

The Growing Influence of Younger Workers

A new generation of American workers is bringing fresh energy into the labor movement. Millennials and Gen Z, who now make up the majority of the workforce, have demonstrated strong support for unionization, particularly in industries that historically lacked organized labor presence.

Unionization in Technology and Media

Tech companies such as Google, Apple, and Amazon have seen increasing employee activism, with workers pushing for unions to address concerns about job security, ethical issues in AI development, and working conditions in warehouses. Media workers at digital outlets, including BuzzFeed and Vice, have also unionized in recent years, setting an example for organizing in industries often considered resistant to traditional unions.

Retail and Food Service Organizing

Starbucks employees across the country have led one of the most high-profile union campaigns in the 2020s, with hundreds of stores voting to unionize under Starbucks Workers United. Similar efforts are underway at Trader Joe’s, REI, and other retail chains, demonstrating that unions are increasingly relevant in sectors dominated by part-time and service jobs. Broader consumer and retail trends can be explored at USA Update Consumer.

International Labor Solidarity

While U.S. labor unions focus on domestic issues, globalization has created new incentives for international solidarity. American unions increasingly coordinate with labor organizations abroad to address shared concerns such as supply chain standards, climate-related job transitions, and multinational corporate practices. Federations such as the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) provide platforms for cross-border collaboration. These efforts are particularly important as global trade agreements and multinational corporations influence working conditions beyond national boundaries. Explore global workforce news at USA Update International.

Economic Impact of Labor Unions

The influence of labor unions extends far beyond the bargaining table. Their presence shapes wages, benefits, workplace safety, and even broader patterns of economic growth. For decades, research has consistently shown that unionized workers earn higher wages and receive better benefits compared to their non-union counterparts. This wage premium has narrowed as union membership has declined, yet unions remain a critical driver of economic equity in the United States.

Wages and Inequality

Union contracts set standards not only for members but also for non-union employees in similar industries, often raising the floor for wages across entire sectors. For instance, the gains achieved by the UAW in automotive manufacturing ripple outward to suppliers and adjacent industries. Similarly, when public-sector unions negotiate wage increases, they influence compensation trends for private contractors working in government contracts. By narrowing wage gaps, unions help address income inequality, a persistent challenge in the U.S. economy. More on these dynamics can be explored at USA Update Economy.

Healthcare and Retirement Benefits

Unions have also been instrumental in securing employer-sponsored healthcare and retirement plans. Even in industries where employers sought to cut costs by reducing benefits, unions have fought to preserve comprehensive coverage. In healthcare, unions such as the SEIU and National Nurses United have not only advocated for their members but also for broader patient safety standards, linking worker conditions to public health outcomes. Retirement security, including pensions and 401(k) contributions, remains a top priority in negotiations, especially as life expectancy rises and Social Security faces long-term challenges.

Workplace Safety and Standards

Unions have historically led the charge for improved safety standards, especially in industries like construction, mining, and manufacturing. The collaboration between unions and agencies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has reduced workplace injuries and fatalities over time. In 2025, unions are particularly focused on addressing new hazards, such as those arising from automation, robotics, and environmental risks linked to climate change. Learn more about workplace protections at USA Update Regulation.

Implications for Businesses

While unions are often viewed as adversarial to business interests, their presence can also create stability and predictability in labor relations. Companies that successfully negotiate with unions may benefit from reduced turnover, higher employee morale, and increased productivity.

Cost Pressures

From a business perspective, union contracts can increase labor costs, impacting profitability. However, businesses also recognize that higher wages contribute to stronger consumer demand, which can benefit the broader economy. Industries such as logistics, retail, and automotive continue to balance these pressures, negotiating terms that sustain competitiveness while respecting worker rights. Further industry perspectives are available at USA Update Business.

Corporate Reputation

In an era where corporate responsibility and brand reputation are closely scrutinized, companies that engage fairly with unions often find themselves better positioned in the public eye. The highly publicized labor disputes at companies like Amazon and Starbucks illustrate how worker treatment has become a major reputational issue, influencing consumer loyalty and investor confidence. For many companies, working constructively with unions is not only about compliance but also about strengthening their social license to operate.

Future of Labor Unions

Labor unions are not static institutions; they evolve in response to shifting economic, technological, and cultural forces. Looking ahead, several trends are likely to redefine the role of unions in the United States.

Digital Organizing Platforms

Digital tools have transformed union organizing, enabling workers across dispersed locations to communicate, share resources, and coordinate campaigns. Platforms like Coworker.org and union-supported apps provide employees with channels to voice concerns and mobilize quickly. As remote and hybrid work models expand, these digital platforms will become even more central to union activity. Learn more about innovations in organizing at USA Update Technology.

Worker Cooperatives and Alternative Models

In addition to traditional unions, worker cooperatives and new forms of collective ownership are emerging as alternatives for employees seeking greater control. These models align with growing interest in sustainable and equitable business practices, particularly among younger generations who prioritize purpose-driven careers. While still relatively small in scale, cooperatives may complement traditional unions by offering creative solutions in industries where unionization is more difficult.

Climate and Sustainability Issues

The transition to a green economy is reshaping industries from energy to manufacturing. Unions are increasingly engaged in debates about how to ensure a "just transition" for workers affected by decarbonization. Organizations like the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) are negotiating not just for coal miners’ jobs but also for retraining programs and investment in alternative industries. This integration of labor and climate policy is likely to grow in importance as the United States pushes toward ambitious sustainability goals. For energy-related developments, visit USA Update Energy.

Case Studies of Union Influence

The Healthcare Sector

Healthcare unions, including the SEIU and National Nurses United, have consistently pushed for improved staffing ratios, protective equipment, and better pay for frontline workers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, their advocacy was crucial in securing emergency protections and hazard pay. In 2025, as healthcare costs rise and the industry faces staffing shortages, unions remain at the forefront of ensuring both patient safety and worker rights.

The Airline Industry

The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) and the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) represent thousands of pilots and cabin crew across major U.S. airlines. Their negotiations have led to higher salaries, improved scheduling, and enhanced safety standards. With travel demand rebounding in 2025, these unions are negotiating around issues such as pilot fatigue, retirement benefits, and airline consolidation. For more on travel and labor dynamics, see USA Update Travel.

Retail and Hospitality

The UNITE HERE union represents workers in hotels, casinos, and food service. By advocating for higher wages, fair scheduling, and protection from automation in hospitality, the union has shaped the experiences of millions of travelers and consumers. Their influence is particularly strong in cities with large hospitality sectors, such as Las Vegas, New York, and Miami.

The Cultural and Social Dimension of Unions

Beyond economics and politics, unions embody cultural values of solidarity, fairness, and community. Union halls often serve as gathering spaces, providing not only a workplace voice but also a sense of identity and belonging for members. In many communities, unions have supported charitable initiatives, educational scholarships, and disaster relief efforts, reinforcing their role as social institutions. Explore related stories at USA Update Lifestyle.

Global Comparisons of Labor Unions

To fully understand the role of labor unions in the United States, it is important to place them in a global context. While American unions have historically been powerful, their membership density and influence differ significantly from labor organizations in other parts of the world.

Europe

European countries such as Sweden, Denmark, and Norway maintain some of the highest union membership rates globally, often exceeding 60%. This is due in part to strong labor laws and centralized bargaining systems that allow unions to negotiate industry-wide agreements. In contrast to the fragmented structure in the U.S., these systems ensure that even non-union workers benefit from union-negotiated standards. For insights into international labor trends, visit USA Update International.

Asia

In Asia, labor unions are more varied. In Japan, enterprise unions are common, where employees of a single company form their own unions rather than joining broader federations. In South Korea, unions have played a critical role in political democratization and remain highly active in negotiations over wages and working hours. Meanwhile, in China, official unions are largely state-controlled, limiting independent labor organizing. The contrast highlights how political systems shape the scope of worker representation.

Emerging Economies

In regions like Brazil, South Africa, and India, unions continue to play a vital role in addressing inequality, informal labor markets, and political instability. These unions often face challenges from large informal economies and weak enforcement of labor laws but remain central in pushing for social justice and worker protections. The global comparisons suggest that while unions in the United States face challenges, they remain more independent and politically active than many of their international counterparts.

The Role of Unions in a Changing Workforce

The American workforce of 2025 looks very different from that of previous generations. The rise of automation, globalization, and shifting demographics has created a dynamic labor market requiring new strategies and flexible responses. Labor unions must adapt to these changes in order to remain relevant.

Diversity and Inclusion

Modern unions are increasingly focused on representing a more diverse workforce, addressing issues such as gender equity, racial justice, and LGBTQ+ rights. Organizations like the National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA), while not a traditional union, have been instrumental in organizing immigrant and minority workers who were historically excluded from labor protections. These efforts align with broader cultural movements for social justice and equity in the workplace.

Remote and Hybrid Work

The shift toward remote and hybrid work has forced unions to rethink how they represent workers who are no longer concentrated in traditional workplaces. Negotiations now cover issues like digital surveillance, reimbursement for home office expenses, and the right to disconnect outside working hours. These emerging topics demonstrate that unions are expanding beyond traditional wage and hour concerns into new dimensions of workplace life.

Lessons for Policymakers and Businesses

The state of labor unions in the United States carries important implications for both policymakers and business leaders. Policymakers must balance the need for flexible labor markets with the responsibility of protecting workers from exploitation and instability. Proposals for strengthening the National Labor Relations Act, updating definitions of employment, and ensuring transparency in employer-union negotiations remain central to this debate. See USA Update News for coverage of current legislative efforts.

For businesses, constructive engagement with unions can lead to more sustainable labor relations. By recognizing the long-term benefits of fair wages, safe workplaces, and employee voice, companies can not only avoid costly disputes but also build stronger brands. In industries where talent competition is fierce—such as technology, healthcare, and logistics—supporting organized labor may even serve as a competitive advantage.

The Enduring Importance of Labor Unions

Despite predictions of their decline, labor unions remain deeply woven into the fabric of the American economy and society. They are not relics of the past but evolving institutions responding to the challenges of globalization, digitalization, and inequality. Their ability to secure historic contracts in recent years, expand into new industries, and amplify the voices of younger generations demonstrates resilience and adaptability.

Unions are more than bargaining units; they are vehicles for democracy in the workplace, giving individuals collective strength against structural imbalances. Their role in advocating for wages, safety, benefits, and social justice ensures that they remain central to the conversation about the future of work in the United States. As debates about economic inequality, climate change, and technological disruption intensify, unions will continue to be at the forefront of shaping fair and sustainable solutions.

Final Reflections

The list of labor unions in the United States is extensive, spanning industries from manufacturing and transportation to education, healthcare, entertainment, and beyond. Major federations like the AFL-CIO, Change to Win, and prominent individual unions such as the UAW, Teamsters, SEIU, and NEA continue to shape wages, benefits, and workplace protections for millions of Americans. Public-sector unions safeguard essential government services, while newer movements in technology, retail, and the gig economy are redefining what it means to organize.

For readers of USA Update, the relevance of unions goes beyond labor disputes—they directly affect the economy, consumer markets, politics, and even international relations. Whether in North America, Europe, or emerging economies, the trajectory of unions offers critical lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the enduring quest for fairness in a rapidly changing world.

Labor unions in 2025 remain both a reflection of America’s past struggles and a blueprint for its future workforce. They are institutions of experience, expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness—values that will continue to matter as the world of work evolves. Their story is, ultimately, the story of America’s ongoing pursuit of equity and prosperity for all who contribute to its economy.