A secure and dignified retirement is out of reach for millions of workers in the United States. One in five adults over the age of 50 has no retirement savings and over 60% worry they will not have enough to support them in retirement, according to AARP survey data. One of the best ways to ensure workers have access to a secure retirement is through a union, which enables workers to negotiate better pay, benefits, and working conditions.
The numbers bear this out. According to new Bureau of Labor Statistics data:
- Union workers have greater access to employer retirement plans. 94% of unionized workers have access to employer-sponsored retirement plans compared with just 72% of nonunion workers.
- 85% of unionized workers participate in employer-sponsored retirement plans compared with 52% of nonunionized workers.
- Union workers are more likely to have pensions. 62% of union workers have access to pensions compared with only 10% of nonunion workers.
Not only do unions provide workers with secure and dignified retirements, they also create healthier and safer workplaces and communities.
- Union workers have greater access to health insurance. 93% of unionized workers have access to employer-sponsored health benefits compared with 71% of nonunion workers. Union employers also contribute more to their employees’ health care benefits.
- Union workers have greater access to paid sick leave. 93% of unionized workers have access to paid sick leave compared with 81% of nonunion workers.
- Unions create safer workplaces. Unions empower workers to bring up unsafe working conditions without fear of retaliation.
When unions are strong, they help raise standards for all workers. States with higher union density are more likely to have higher incomes, greater access to retirement and health insurance, and enacted paid sick leave legislation.
Read more on the benefits of unions and the roadmap to rebuilding union power.