Did you know? North Carolina has the Lowest Union Membership in the U.S.

As of 2024, North Carolina holds the distinction of having the lowest union membership rate in the United States, with only 2.4% of its workforce affiliated with labor unions. This figure stands in stark contrast to the national union membership rate of 9.9% and is significantly lower than states like Hawaii and New York, where union membership rates are 26.5% and 20.6%, respectively. The state's historically low union presence is the result of a combination of economic, legislative, and cultural factors.

Historical Context and Contributing Factors

The roots of North Carolina's minimal union presence can be traced back to its historical and economic development. Traditionally, the state's economy has been anchored in agriculture and textile manufacturing—sectors that have not been heavily unionized. Additionally, a cultural emphasis on individualism and a preference for direct employer-employee relationships have contributed to a general wariness toward unionization.

Legislatively, North Carolina is a "right-to-work" state, meaning that employees are not required to join a union or pay union dues as a condition of employment. While proponents argue that such laws attract businesses and promote economic growth, critics contend that they weaken collective bargaining power, leading to lower wages and fewer worker protections. These factors have collectively created an environment where unionization is difficult to establish and sustain.

Recent Unionization Efforts

Despite the historically low union density, there have been notable efforts to organize workers in the state. In early 2025, employees at an Amazon warehouse in Garner, near Raleigh, sought to form a union under the banner of Carolina Amazonians United for Solidarity and Empowerment (CAUSE). The National Labor Relations Board approved their petition, and an election was scheduled for February 10-15, aiming to represent approximately 4,300 workers.

The organizing drive faced significant challenges, including alleged intimidation tactics by Amazon and the inherent difficulties of unionizing in a state with such low union density. Ultimately, the unionization effort was unsuccessful, with about 75% of the voting workers opposing the move. Out of 4,300 workers, 2,447 voted against unionization, while 829 supported it. This loss represents another setback for union efforts in North Carolina but also highlights a growing movement among workers seeking improved conditions.

Implications of Low Unionization

The low rate of union membership in North Carolina has several implications for its workforce. Studies have shown that unionized workers generally earn higher wages and have better benefits compared to their non-unionized counterparts. For instance, in 2024, union members had median usual weekly earnings of $1,337, while nonunion workers earned $1,138. The absence of strong union representation may contribute to wage stagnation and limited bargaining power for workers in the state.

Moreover, unions often play a crucial role in advocating for workplace safety, equitable treatment, and other labor rights. Without substantial union influence, employees might face challenges in voicing concerns or negotiating improvements in their working conditions. This imbalance can result in a lack of job security, limited benefits, and a weaker collective voice for workers in industries where unions are traditionally stronger.

The Path Forward

While North Carolina's union membership remains the lowest in the nation, the recent attempts at unionization, such as the effort at the Amazon warehouse, indicate a growing awareness and desire among workers to organize for better conditions. These movements, though facing significant obstacles, reflect a broader national trend of renewed interest in labor rights and union representation.

For meaningful change to occur, a multifaceted approach is necessary. This could include legislative reforms that protect and promote collective bargaining rights, educational campaigns to inform workers of the benefits of unionization, and a cultural shift toward valuing collective worker advocacy. Such efforts could pave the way for a more robust union presence in North Carolina, ultimately leading to improved wages, benefits, and working conditions for its workforce.

Despite the state's historically low union membership, the landscape of labor relations is evolving. As more workers across the country push for fair wages and better workplace conditions, North Carolina may see an increase in union activity in the coming years. Whether or not this trend continues will depend on the success of labor organizers, the willingness of workers to embrace unionization, and the policies that govern labor relations in the state.

^{_{Data Analysis by Sylvain Dufour - Data engineering and visualization by Vanessa Peeters}}