Why did union power decline in 1980s and 1990s?

What was the decline in union membership a reflection of?

The continuing change in the structure of the American workforce and economy, but also due to events such as the PATCO strike in 1981 and changes in attitudes among both gvmt and public towards unions

What else decreased?

Number of strikes and the number of workers taking part in strikes

What did the lack of public sympathy for the air traffic controllers action do?

Discourage other strikes and was a further indication of a decline in union power and influence

What was the union membership by 1970?

14.9 million (27.3% of workforce, 381 strikes)

What was union membership in 1980?

19.8 million (21.9% of workforce, number of strikes = 187))

What was union membership in 1990?

16.7 million (16.1% of workforce, number of strikes = 44)

Why was there divisions within the union movement?

Others were unwilling to support the PATCO air traffic controllers, whom they perceived as well paid, further weakened the position of workers

What was decline in membership further encouraged by?

Continued provision by employers of generous welfare packages, as a result of these gains, many worker were no worse off than earlier, and saw little to be gained from union membership

What was there increases numbers of?

Female and white collar workers who were less interested in joining unions

What did the decline in factor size and business size mean?

More difficult to organise workers

What did the growth of non unionised firms mean?

Employers were able to ignore the law and deny workers their rights. NLRB less willing to defend unions