For Immediate Release
Friday, January 25, 2008
McEntee on Union Membership Statistics: “Good News For All Americans”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report indicates union membership increased by 311,000 to 15.7 million in 2007.
WASHINGTON, D.C. —AFSCME President Gerald W. McEntee released the following statement in response to a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report released today indicating that union membership in the United States increased by 311,000 to 15.7 million – the largest annual increase since 1979:
“The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ announcement that more workers are joining unions is good news for all Americans. AFSCME’s growth, which has been consistent even during challenging times, is now part of a broader trend that’s spreading throughout the union movement.
“In a statement released today, the AFL-CIO recognized AFSCME's leading role in organizing victories during the past year. In 2007, 47,000 workers gained a voice by organizing with us, including 7,000 child care providers in Kansas, 7,500 family child care providers in New York, and 2,500 workers in hospitals in New Mexico and California.
“The labor movement will continue to grow and workers will prosper as more unions make organizing and politics top priorities, as AFSCME does. More than half of all workers say they would join a union right now if they could, which is why Congress must pass the Employee Free Choice Act, giving workers the freedom to join without interference from their employers.”
