loader
Page is loading...
Print Logo Logo

Back to All Blogs

Back to Labor Relations

generic_insight_detail

Who’s The Biggest and Who Lost the Most?

April 15, 2013 |  Unions and Union Membership, Labor Relations
Gerald Lutkus

Gerald F. Lutkus

Of Counsel (Retired)

We’ve reported here on the Bureau of Labor Statistics numbers that showed that the numbers of unionized Americans continued its historic and sharp decline throughout 2012. But now that the dust has settled a little, can you guess which union remains the largest in terms of membership in the U.S.? The Teamsters? How about the UAW? Or perhaps the SEIU?

If you guessed any of those, you’d be wrong. The union with the largest membership in 2012 according to recently filed LM-2 reports remains the National Education Association which counts 3.1 million educators as members. But even the NEA shrunk in 2012, losing more than 99,000 members.

Other big losers in terms of membership numbers (from 2011 to 2012) include:

1. Teamsters – down 51,924 to 1.3 million (a 4 percent decrease)
2. Service Employees International Union – down 44,960 to 1.9 million
3. Laborers – 8,422 fewer members
4. United Food and Commercial Workers – 13,102-member drop
5. Machinists – lost 4,033 members

There were some increases though. The IBEW added 4,978 additional members in 2012. The UAW increased their membership in 2012 by 1,794 members to 382,513. The United Steelworkers also increased their membership in 2012 growing by 7,100 to 614,054 members.

PREV

Overcoming Criticism, the Preventing Greater Uncertainty in...

NEXT

Michigan Home Health Dues Spigot is Turned Off on SEIU

RELATED ARTICLES

Do You Now Have to Tolerate Profane or Abusive Outbursts by Employees at Work?

May 16, 2023 | Labor Relations, National Labor Relations Board

Decaffeinated: Starbucks' Buffalo Baristas Seek Potential Ouster of Union

May 8, 2023 | Labor Relations, Unions and Union Membership

On the Hunt: NLRB’s Top Lawyer Seeks Out Cases to Upend Precedent

March 6, 2023 | Labor Relations, National Labor Relations Board

Unions By the Numbers: 2023 Edition

January 19, 2023 | Labor Relations, Unions and Union Membership

Do You Have to Negotiate Your Office Return-to-Work Plans?

September 21, 2022 | Labor Relations, Labor Agreements, Unions and Union Membership

View All
×

Do You Now Have to Tolerate Profane or Abusive Outbursts by Employees at Work?

May 16, 2023 | Labor Relations, National Labor Relations Board

Decaffeinated: Starbucks' Buffalo Baristas Seek Potential Ouster of Union

May 8, 2023 | Labor Relations, Unions and Union Membership

On the Hunt: NLRB’s Top Lawyer Seeks Out Cases to Upend Precedent

March 6, 2023 | Labor Relations, National Labor Relations Board

Unions By the Numbers: 2023 Edition

January 19, 2023 | Labor Relations, Unions and Union Membership

Do You Have to Negotiate Your Office Return-to-Work Plans?

September 21, 2022 | Labor Relations, Labor Agreements, Unions and Union Membership

Labor Day 2022: State of the U.S. Labor Unions

September 2, 2022 | Labor Relations, Unions and Union Membership

Federal Court Orders Starbucks to Re-Hire Terminated Union Supporters

August 23, 2022 | Labor Relations, Unions and Union Membership

What a Journey: Negotiating a Union Contract May Take Longer Than You Think

August 15, 2022 | Labor Relations, Unions and Union Membership

Will Nonunion Employees Have Weingarten Rights in the Workplace Soon?

August 8, 2022 | Labor Relations, Unions and Union Membership

Union Business Still Booming: Election Petitions Continue To Soar

July 20, 2022 | Labor Relations, Union Organizing

The Price for Refusing to Bargain May Soon be Going Up for Employers

July 7, 2022 | Labor Relations, National Labor Relations Board, Union Organizing

Does An Apple a Day Keep the Union At Bay? Nope.

June 28, 2022 | Labor Relations, National Labor Relations Board, Union Organizing

Say It Ain’t So (Trader) Joe’s: Grocery Chain Workers File Union Petition

June 15, 2022 | Labor Relations, Union Organizing

What’s Brewing at Starbucks? Labor Law Litigation Over Employee Terminations

April 26, 2022 | Labor Relations, National Labor Relations Board, Union Organizing

Up and Away: Union Organizing Skyrockets 57% in Last Six Months

April 19, 2022 | Labor Relations, National Labor Relations Board, Union Organizing

Unions by the Numbers: 2022 Edition

January 24, 2022 | Labor Relations, Unions and Union Membership, Union Organizing

Union Organizing Alert: Micro-Units May Be Back at the Labor Board

December 16, 2021 | Labor Relations, Union Organizing, National Labor Relations Board

Union Challenge to Vaccine Mandate Hits Legal Snag

October 15, 2021 | Labor Relations, Unions and Union Membership

Giggity Giggity: Gig Economy Workers Launch Unionization Effort

August 6, 2021 | Labor Relations, Union Organizing, National Labor Relations Board

Prepare for Takeoff: NLRB’s New Pro-Union Majority Will Soon Take Over

July 30, 2021 | Labor Relations, National Labor Relations Board

Un-Exterminated: Scabby the Rat Is Back, Says Labor Board

July 29, 2021 | Labor Relations, National Labor Relations Board, Strikes and Picketing, Unions and Union Membership

Unblocked: Labor Board Declines To Delay Decert Election Based On Pending ULPs

June 4, 2021 | Labor Relations, National Labor Relations Board, Union Organizing

President Biden Nominates Union-Side Attorney Gwynne Wilcox to the NLRB

May 28, 2021 | Labor Relations, Federal Laws and Legislation, National Labor Relations Board

What the Heck Do Girl Scout Cookies Have to Do With Personnel Policies?

March 29, 2021 | Labor Relations, Unions and Union Membership

Rescue for Union Pension Plans – and Maybe Union Employers

March 17, 2021 | Labor Relations, Unions and Union Membership

Are the Rules Changing for Employer Dress Codes and Union Insignia?

February 15, 2021 | Labor Relations, Unions and Union Membership, National Labor Relations Board

Non-Union Construction Companies Face Significant Threats Under the PRO Act

February 11, 2021 | Construction Law

Unions by the Numbers: 2021 Edition

January 27, 2021 | Labor Relations, Unions and Union Membership

Slow Mo: Union Election Pace Slowed In 2020

January 11, 2021 | Labor Relations, Unions and Union Membership

What Were the Three Biggest Labor Law Developments In 2020?

December 18, 2020 | Labor Relations, National Labor Relations Board

A Biden Board at the NLRB: What to Expect and When

November 17, 2020 | Labor Relations, Federal Laws and Legislation, National Labor Relations Board

Fisticuffs: Union Boss Sentenced to Prison for Assault on Non-Union Workers

September 29, 2020 | Labor Relations, Unions and Union Membership

Labor Day 2020: State of the U.S. Labor Unions

September 4, 2020 | Labor Relations, National Labor Relations Board, Unions and Union Membership

Are Tech Workers Considering Unionizing In The Wake Of COVID-19?

April 15, 2020 | Labor Relations, Union Organizing

Back To Normal? Labor Board To Restart Union Elections

April 2, 2020 | Labor Relations, National Labor Relations Board

Coming Into Focus: Labor Board Issues Some NLRA Pandemic Guidance For Employers

April 2, 2020 | Labor Relations, National Labor Relations Board

Labor Board Finalizes Rule Changes to Enhance Employee Free Choice

April 1, 2020 | Labor Relations, National Labor Relations Board, Unions and Union Membership

Beware of the Small Print! CARES Act Provide Boons to Labor Unions

March 27, 2020 | Labor Relations, Unions and Union Membership

What Public Employers Are Seeing From Their Unions During The COVID-19 Outbreak

March 26, 2020 | Labor Relations, Public Employees, Unions and Union Membership

Roaring ‘20s for Unions on the Horizon? Doesn’t Appear So…

January 30, 2020 | Labor Relations, National Labor Relations Board, Unions and Union Membership

Labor Board Rounds Out 2019 with a Few More Obama-Era Reversals

January 6, 2020 | Labor Relations, National Labor Relations Board, Unions and Union Membership

Dues Check Off Provisions Once Again Expire With CBA, NLRB Rules

December 16, 2019 | Labor Relations, National Labor Relations Board, Unions and Union Membership

Fiat Chrysler UAW Collective Bargaining Process Under a Microscope

July 24, 2018 | Union Organizing, Unions and Union Membership, Labor Relations

Hey, Hey, Hey, Goodbye: DOL Persuader Rule Nixed

July 17, 2018 | Department of Labor, Labor Relations

Teamsters On The Hook For Full Back Pay, Says NLRB

June 7, 2018 | National Labor Relations Board, Labor Relations

Fractured Workforce: Union Scores Micro-Unit Election Win At Boeing

June 4, 2018 | National Labor Relations Board, Unions and Union Membership, Labor Relations

What Not To Wear: Employer Dress Code Policy Ruled Unlawful

May 7, 2018 | National Labor Relations Board, Labor Relations

Operating Engineers Union Sues Over Duty to Represent Non-Dues-Paying Employees

February 26, 2018 | Unions and Union Membership, Labor Relations

There’s a Hole in Your Bucket: 114 Multiemployer Pension Funds on Track to Fail

August 23, 2017 | Unions and Union Membership, Labor Relations

The Legality of Local Municipal Right-to-Work Laws; Will A Circuit Split Lead To Supreme Court Review

March 14, 2017 | Federal Laws and Legislation, Labor Relations

Beware of the Employee Walk Out: Non-Union Employees Terminated for Walking Off Job; NLRB Judge Reinstates with Backpay

March 10, 2017 | National Labor Relations Board, Labor Relations

Right-to-Work – Union Shenanigans and Another State (Colorado) In Play

March 17, 2016 | Unions and Union Membership, Labor Relations

WEST VIRGINIA BECOMES 26TH RIGHT-TO-WORK STATE

February 18, 2016 | State Labor Laws, Unions and Union Membership, Labor Relations

IRS Turns A Blind Eye to Unions’ Political Expenditures

September 5, 2014 | Unions and Union Membership, Labor Relations

NLRB To Include Hyperlinks In Notice Postings

April 30, 2014 | National Labor Relations Board, Unions and Union Membership, Labor Relations

NLRB Requires Employer to Pay Union’s Negotiation Expenses in Refusal to Bargain Case

April 16, 2014 | National Labor Relations Board, Unions and Union Membership, Labor Relations

Could the Players Simply Say No?

April 8, 2014 | National Labor Relations Board, Union Organizing, Unions and Union Membership, Labor Relations

Not April Foolin’: National Labor Relations Board Finds Employer Rule Requiring Positivity and Professionalism Unlawful

April 7, 2014 | National Labor Relations Board, Labor Relations

BTLabor Relations Blogger & Attorney Fields Questions on College Football Players Union Ruling

March 28, 2014 | National Labor Relations Board, Union Organizing, Unions and Union Membership, Labor Relations

Employee’s Complaint About Union Officials Watching Porn is Deemed “Human Imperfection” But Not Grounds for Retaliation

January 15, 2014 | Unions and Union Membership, Labor Relations

Federal Court Prohibits Union From Striking To Prevent Sale Of Business To Non-Union Employer

December 30, 2013 | Unions and Union Membership, Labor Relations

Unions Win About Two out of Three Elections in 2013

November 21, 2013 | Unions and Union Membership, Labor Relations

Unions Remain Hesitant to Embrace Obamacare

November 1, 2013 | Unions and Union Membership, Labor Relations

Michigan's Right to Work Law Gets Personal - Union Intimidation and Threats Alleged

October 25, 2013 | Unions and Union Membership, Labor Relations

Union, Court Fight Against Right to Work in Michigan Continues

September 13, 2013 | State Labor Laws, Unions and Union Membership, Labor Relations

Georgia’s U.S. Senators Sign on to "Union Bailout Prevention Act" On Potential Obamacare Carve-Out

September 13, 2013 | Unions and Union Membership, Labor Relations

Decertification 101

September 12, 2013 | Union Organizing, Labor Relations

Unions Continue Alternative Organizing Methods with Fast Food One-Day Strikes

August 30, 2013 | Unions and Union Membership, Labor Relations

Unions Explore New Organizing Tactics

August 13, 2013 | Unions and Union Membership, Labor Relations

Another Union Attempt to Circumvent Michigan’s Right to Work Law: Controversies in Michigan Continue

August 9, 2013 | Unions and Union Membership, Labor Relations

It’s Official: Top Union Lawyer To Be NLRB General Counsel

August 5, 2013 | Unions and Union Membership, Labor Relations

From the Frying Pan Into the Fire?

July 23, 2013 | Unions and Union Membership, Labor Relations

Will Union Payback Make Harry Reid Take the Senate Nuclear?

July 10, 2013 | Unions and Union Membership, Labor Relations

It’s Not Easy Being Green

July 1, 2013 | Union Organizing, Unions and Union Membership, Labor Relations

Think There Is Not A Reason To Stay Focused on Being Union-Free? Think Again

June 13, 2013 | Union Organizing, Unions and Union Membership, Labor Relations

Now the Unions are Complaining About Obamacare

May 21, 2013 | Union Organizing, Unions and Union Membership, Labor Relations

Under Pressure: Unions Espouse New Organizing Models and Take Action

May 14, 2013 | Union Organizing, Labor Relations

Sharp Decline in Indiana Union Membership

March 25, 2013 | Unions and Union Membership, Labor Relations

Unions File Suit Challenging Michigan’s Right to Work Law

February 12, 2013 | Federal Laws and Legislation, Unions and Union Membership, Labor Relations

Union Membership Numbers Continue to Decline

January 23, 2013 | Union Organizing, Unions and Union Membership, Labor Relations

Seventh Circuit Upholds Controversial Wisconsin Collective Bargaining Law

January 23, 2013 | Unions and Union Membership, Labor Relations

Right To Work Challenge Dismissed in Federal Court

January 22, 2013 | Federal Laws and Legislation, Labor Relations

RELATED PRACTICE AREAS

Collective Bargaining
Labor and Employment
Labor Relations
Union Avoidance

Subscribe

Do you want to receive more valuable insights directly in your inbox? Visit our subscription center and let us know what you're interested in learning more about.

View Subscription Center
RELATED TOPICS
Labor Unions
Trending Connect
We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to use cookies.
View Our Privacy Policy