Another factor leading to union weakness is the declining wage premium for union membership. In 1983 the median wage for all private sector union members was 39 percent higher than for non-union members. In fact, in some industries there is virtually no premium at all. Changing trends in pensions may also be a factor. But over the last 20 years, growing numbers of pensions have been converted to defined-contribution plans in which workers must make their own investment decisions.
Unions often blame Washington for their problems.
If only more union-friendly legislation could be passed, they believe, there would be a turnaround in union strength. The trends toward globalization and government downsizing have been too strong to resist. This suggests that Sweeney's new recruitment strategy has more promise. Bruce Bartlett, Senior Fellow, National Center for Policy Analysis, March 10, 1997. During that period, their market share dropped to 10.2 percent from 11.5 percent of all workers in non-government jobs.