A recent analysis reveals a significant downturn in union elections in the United States, highlighting the detrimental effects of political interventions on workers’ rights. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) reported a staggering 30% drop in union elections in 2025, a year after the Trump administration implemented policies that undermined the agency’s effectiveness.
Declining Engagement in Union Elections
The findings, published by the Centre for American Progress, indicate a concerning decline in worker participation in union elections. In 2025, approximately 59,000 fewer workers engaged in these elections compared to the previous year, translating to a 42% decrease. The total number of union elections plummeted from a decade-high of 2,124 in 2024 to just 1,498 in 2025.
This decline is particularly alarming given the context of rising public support for unions. Gallup polling data shows that approval ratings for labour unions have surged from 56% in 2016 to 68% in 2025, suggesting a disconnect between public sentiment and political realities.
The Impact of Political Maneuvering
The NLRB is tasked with enforcing labour laws in the private sector and overseeing union elections. However, the agency’s capabilities have been severely hampered by the Trump administration’s actions. Shortly after taking office, Trump dismissed NLRB board member Gwynne Wilcox, effectively leaving the board incapacitated. When a quorum was eventually restored, Trump appointed two Republican members, creating a conservative majority that fundamentally altered the board’s stance towards union organisers and workers.
Under this new regime, the success rate of union elections also suffered, decreasing from 72% in 2023 to 69.8% in 2025. The political composition of the board plays a critical role in determining how favourably it views unionisation efforts, with the current conservative tilt likely discouraging worker advocacy.
Workforce Reductions Compound Challenges
Adding to the NLRB’s struggles, the agency has seen its workforce shrink significantly. Reports indicate that about 100 employees have left due to early retirements and buyouts, leading to a staff of approximately 1,100—down from 1,545 in 2016. This decline in personnel occurs against the backdrop of a growing private sector workforce, which expanded from 120 million in 2016 to over 135 million by 2024.
With fewer resources and personnel, the NLRB faces mounting challenges in effectively overseeing collective bargaining and addressing labour practices, further complicating the landscape for union organisers.
Workers Remain Determined
Despite the setbacks, many workers continue to express a strong desire to organise. Aurelia Glass, a policy analyst for the Centre for American Progress, noted that even in the face of relentless political opposition, the interest in forming unions persists. “There’s still a lot of interest and a lot of momentum behind these campaigns,” she remarked, indicating that workers are likely to seek new pathways to assert their rights.
While the political climate may continue to evolve, the underlying support for labour unions remains robust, suggesting that workers will persist in their efforts to secure fair representation and collective bargaining rights.
Why it Matters
The decline in union elections is not merely a statistic; it underscores a deeper struggle for workers’ rights in the United States. As political forces attempt to reshape the landscape of labour relations, the resilience of worker activism becomes ever more critical. The current challenges faced by the NLRB highlight the need for a robust framework that supports not only the formation of unions but also the broader push for equitable labour practices in an increasingly complex economic environment. The commitment of workers to pursue unionisation, despite political barriers, signals a vital movement that could reshape the future of work in America.