Workers in a union are paid over 10% more than non-union workers, according to a report authored by US House labor and economic committee Democrats.
The House Education and Labor Committee majority, in conjunction with the Joint Economic Committee, found wages increased even more for unionized Black and Latino workers—by 17.3% and 23.1%, respectively.
“Supporting workers’ right to organize is a key way to help boost wages and support quality jobs,” the report, released Friday, said. “Actions by Congress and the Biden administration will help protect the right to organize and increase the number of union jobs, ultimately creating significant economic benefits for workers and the broader economy.”
Employees frustrated with low wages, workplace disparities, and health risks exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic are increasingly turning to unionization, as seen by organizing pushes at Amazon.com Inc., Apple Inc., and other companies.
“While wealthy individuals and the largest corporations continue to boost their profits, workers across the country have been forced to work in unsafe conditions for insufficient pay, because they lacked the ability to stand together and negotiate with their employer,” House Education and Labor Committee Chairman Bobby Scott (D-Va.) said in a statement on the report.
