5 States That Have America’s Strongest Unions

2. New York

Union Members Employed: 20.6%

New York remains a stronghold for labor unions, with a unionization rate of 20.7%, surpassed only by Hawaii in the US.  In 2022, almost 200 workplaces in the state sought representation through the National Labor Relations Board. Despite a 57-year high in national approval of labor unions, New York’s union participation has seen a decline, dropping from 23.2% in 2012 to the current 20.6%. Noteworthy labor movements in the past year have been the establishment of the Amazon Labor Union at JFK8, where 2,654 votes led to its formation. Starbucks Workers United also experienced major growth, winning 31 elections in New York in 2022, fueled by the enthusiasm of young, progressive, and college-educated individuals.