A recent study conducted by Plus Docs, analyzing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, has revealed the states experiencing significant shifts in union membership from 2013 to 2023. The findings illustrate the changing role of unions in various regions across the United States.

On a national level, the average union membership among workers stands at 9.4%. Hawaii leads with the highest percentage of unionized workers at 24.1%, whereas South Carolina has the lowest at just 2.3%.

Daniel Li, CEO and Co-Founder of Plus Docs, provided insights on the data: “It’s fascinating to observe the variations in union membership among states, particularly the increased unionization in the South and Midwest. However, these regional trends can differ drastically even among neighboring states. For instance, Mississippi has almost doubled its union membership rate, whereas Alabama has seen a decrease.”

Li further noted, “Eighteen states have experienced a decline in union membership, with only two maintaining steady membership levels. Several factors could be influencing these trends, such as the entrance of a younger, less union-inclined workforce, the retirement of older union members, or the impact of state policies and legislation on union activities. This study sheds light on the diverse union landscape across the nation.”

Alaska: This state witnessed the most significant drop in union membership, which fell by 36.6% – a reduction of 26,000 members. In 2013, 23.1% of Alaska’s workforce were union members; by 2023, this percentage had decreased to 14.8%.

Wisconsin: This state had the second largest decrease in union members, with a loss of 112,000 individuals (a 35.3% decline). The percentage of workers in unions decreased from 12.3% in 2013 to 7.4% in 2023.

West Virginia: Union membership in this state declined by 31%, decreasing from 12.7% of the workforce in 2013 to 8.7% in 2023, representing a loss of 27,000 union members.

South Carolina: Experiencing a 29% drop, South Carolina now has the lowest rate of unionization in the nation. Only 2.3% of its workforce (49,000 people) are members of a union, down from 3.7% (69,000 workers) in 2013.

Iowa: The Hawkeye State lost 36,000 union members, a 25.2% decrease. Union representation fell from 10.1% of the workforce in 2013 to 7.2% in 2023.

Alabama: Alabama saw a 23.2% decline in union membership, with 47,000 fewer workers belonging to unions. Union representation dropped from 10.5% of the workforce in 2013 to 7.5% in 2023.

Kentucky: The Bluegrass State experienced a 21.6% decrease in union membership, with 42,000 fewer workers belonging to unions. Despite this, the unionization rate remains relatively high at 8.8%.

Rhode Island: America’s smallest state saw a 19.5% decline in union membership, with 15,000 fewer workers belonging to unions. Union representation fell from 16.9% of the workforce in 2013 to 12.3% in 2023.

Maine experienced a significant decline in union membership, witnessing an 18.8% drop, which equates to 12,000 fewer workers in unions. The rate of unionized employees decreased from 11.1% in 2013 to 9.2% in 2023.

In Illinois, union memberships saw a 16.8% reduction, translating to 143,000 fewer union workers. The portion of the workforce represented by unions declined from 15.8% in 2013 to 12.8% by 2023.

Mississippi had the most substantial increase in union membership with a noteworthy 97.4% growth, increasing the total number of union workers from 38,000 in 2013 to 75,000 in 2023. Unions represented 7% of the total workforce in 2023.

Arkansas observed the second-highest rise in union membership with a 63.2% increase. The total number of union workers escalated from 38,000 in 2013 to 62,000 in 2023.

Vermont, often referred to as The Green Mountain State, experienced a significant rise in union membership by 38.7%. The union members expanded from 31,000 in 2013 to 43,000 in 2023, which now accounts for 14.3% of its workforce.