Explain two factors that have weakened labor unions.

(2 points)

1 answer

Two factors that have weakened labor unions are:

  1. Legislative Changes: Over the past few decades, many governments have enacted laws that limit the power of unions, such as "right-to-work" laws, which allow workers to opt out of joining a union or paying union dues while still benefiting from union-negotiated contracts. Additionally, changes in labor relations legislation have made it more challenging for unions to organize workers or engage in collective bargaining effectively.

  2. Economic Shifts: The globalization of the economy and the rise of the gig economy have led to a decline in traditional manufacturing jobs, which were historically strongholds for labor unions. Many jobs have shifted to service-sector roles and freelance or contract work, where union representation is less common and often more difficult to establish. This shift has diluted the overall bargaining power of unions as their membership base has shrunk.