Union momentum defies political pressure to reach 16-year peak in 2025
TL;DR
U.S. union membership rose to 14.7 million in 2025 and 16.5 million workers were covered by union contracts—the highest since 2009—despite the Trump administration’s push to roll back bargaining for about 1 million federal workers; density climbed to 11.2%, and public approval for unions remains high (67–71%), signaling renewed organizing over years.
- US union membership soared to 16-year high in 2025 despite Trump assault The Guardian
- Union membership edged up in 2025 despite attacks from Trump administration The Washington Post
- Workers’ resolve drives increase in unionization in 2025 | Economic Policy Institute Economic Policy Institute
- Trump Notwithstanding, America’s Unions Actually Grew Last Year The American Prospect
- News & Commentary: February 19, 2026 OnLabor
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