Labor Day — it’s that one day in the year that we celebrate America’s deep Gilded Age roots in trade unions. In reality, though, the U.S. has been on the decline for years. Here’s one staggering fact on the downfall of unions: In the 1950s, one in three American workers was a union member. Last year that percentage had almost dropped to one in ten.
There are a myriad of reasons for the drop. Globalization has taken its toll — one need only look at the auto industry. Another reason could be the increasing cost of healthcare. The growth of the post-industrial economy is certainly a major reason. And, of course, many-a-progressive will rail against Reagan.
Despite the downfall of the trade union, and the stagnant wages in the U.S., average hours worked per week have fallen, which reminds me — I’m off to spend a few hours not working this Labor Day. Hope you are too!
United Steelworkers image by Takomabibelot
