Major Change in Unionization Rules —Fiorenza

In the midst of technological and economic change over the past 25 years or so, union membership within the industry, and in general, has steadily declined. In 1983, for example, 20 percent of all private sector workers belonged to labor unions; in 2006, less than 8 percent were union members. The reasons for the decline are hotly debated and range from plant closures and layoffs, technological change, outsourcing, increased competition, union decertification, to the failure of unions to effectively recruit new members. Whatever the reasons, the impact of the decline is clear. Unions are experiencing a loss of political clout, a loss of relevance and an imminent economic threat to what have become entrenched social institutions.