Organizers Use Broad Skill Set to Increase Membership

In 1954, union membership among American workers reached a high of 35%.

Nearly 70 years later, that same number plummeted to just 10% in 2023.

So, what’s the reason for this jolting drop? Several factors have played a role in the decline, but SMART-TD’s dedicated and passionate organizers are determined to change the narrative, grow our union, and help protect as many Americans as possible.

Turning Talk into Action

SMART-TD’s Organizing Department met in late February to plan their next steps.

Our tireless organizers are actively pursuing campaigns on 12 (10 rail and two bus) properties and acquired five new properties during the Fourth Quarter of 2024.

Applications for new membership also grew, reaching a total of over 8,000 by the end of the year.

Fighting a Broken System

Higher union representation translates into a smaller wealth gap across the country.

Unfortunately, that gap has widened since the 1980s.

Broken labor laws that favor corporate special interest groups and big business tilted the balance of power against the armies of workers who get the job done. This presents many organizing challenges.

Thanks to infamous and well-known union-busting tactics, employers can sow doubt or even swing the vote as soon as they catch wind of any organizing talk.

Captive audience meetings to force anti-union propaganda on their employees were previously banned but are now allowed under the new administration. Selective firings are another of many strategies employers use to protect their “right” to abuse the power they wield over their employees. They often use every trick in the book to sabotage organizing efforts.

Companies often cross the line. They illegally interfere with organizing elections 41% of the time. 20% of workers organizing a vote are illegally fired for their pro-union activity.

The numbers are striking, and the heroism of our brothers and sisters who successfully form a local is unquestioned.

Growing Our Ranks

SMART-TD’s organizers will not be intimidated by a union-busting playbook or employers seeking to line their pockets.

In fact, every corporate misdeed is proof that our work is important. These abuses are our motivation to increase our efforts, expand our team, and sharpen our skill set. We fight. We hold management accountable. And when we have solidarity with one another, we win.

As the saying goes “There is strength in numbers.” And we must all do our part in efforts keeping this union strong and growing into the future.