In the private sector, union influence has faded even more dramatically. By mid-1999, only 22 percent of paid private sector workers in BC belonged to trade unions. A number of trends have conspired to bring about a decline in union density, particularly in the private sector. The most important is changes in the distribution of employment by industry. Arguably, the single biggest problem facing organized labour is the relentless expansion of service jobs coupled with dwindling employment in resource industries and heavy manufacturing - sectors where unions are well entrenched.
Union density varies widely by industry.
The sectors of the economy which have enjoyed robust employment growth over the past decade have union density ratios well below the economy-wide average. Examples include business and professional services, retail and wholesale trade, financial services, scientific and technical services, and accommodation and food. Conversely, most of the industries in which unions enjoy a strong presence have experienced weak or even negative employment growth. In Canada, net job creation is now heavily concentrated in service industries. Services account for upwards of 70 percent of Canadian GDP and for about three-quarters of paid employment.