WASHINGTON — New data from the National Labor Relations Board has revealed a significant rise in the number of workers seeking union representation during President Joe Biden’s administration. The latest figures show that in the fiscal year 2024, there were 3,286 petitions filed, compared to just 1,638 in 2021. This surge represents the first notable increase in unionization requests within a presidential term since Gerald Ford’s administration, which concluded nearly half a century ago.
In contrast, during the presidency of Donald Trump, the number of union petitions saw a decline of 22%. President Biden highlighted this recent uptick as a sign of his administration’s stronger commitment to workers’ rights compared to his predecessor’s tenure. He stated, “After the previous administration sided with big corporations to undermine workers — from blocking overtime pay protections to making it harder to organize — my Administration has supported workers. Because when unions do well, all workers do well and the entire economy benefits.”
Vice President Kamala Harris, who is the Democratic nominee for the upcoming election, is counting on union backing to energize voter turnout. However, Trump’s appeal to blue-collar workers, partly through his initiatives aimed at imposing tariffs on foreign imports, has resonated with some union members, which might overshadow his administration’s labor record.
In the 2020 presidential election, only 16% of voters came from union households. Biden managed to gain the support of 56% within these households, while Trump garnered 42%, according to VoteCast data. The level of support among union households could play a crucial role in determining the results of tight races anticipated in key states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin in the upcoming election.
Moreover, workers seem to be increasingly willing to report what they consider to be unfair labor practices. Over the last fiscal year, the National Labor Relations Board’s field offices logged a total of 24,578 cases, marking the highest volume in over a decade. This indicates a growing assertiveness among workers regarding their rights and working conditions.