Since 1955, those numbers have declined. Now, about 1 out of 7 nonfarm workers are union members. Unions are popular in industrial sectors. The number of union membership has declined because employment in the industrial sectors has declined. Service employment has increased and unions are not as popular in service industries.
Union membership varies greatly between states.
With the numbers falling, unions have developed survival tactics. They have merged with other unions. Mergers reduce the cost per member by spreading expenses for staff and headquarters over a larger membership. This can also enhance their political clout. Unions also try to leverage their political impact by teaming up with other organizations for support.