US Union Elections See Sharp Decline in 2025 Following Trump's Impact on Labor Board
Union elections in the United States experienced a significant downturn in 2025, with both participation and success rates falling after the Trump administration took actions that left the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) weakened and understaffed. According to a recent analysis, the number of union elections overseen by the NLRB dropped by 30% compared to the previous year, highlighting a major setback for labor organizing efforts.
Key Statistics Reveal Steep Drop in Union Activity
The report from the Center for American Progress indicates that the total number of union elections fell from a 10-year high of 2,124 in 2024 to just 1,498 in 2025. Additionally, the number of workers participating in these elections declined by 59,000, representing a 42% decrease. The success rate of union elections also dipped to 69.8% in 2025, down from 72% in 2023, underscoring the challenges faced by labor organizers.
Trump Administration's Unprecedented Moves to Freeze NLRB
Since the start of his second term, President Trump has implemented measures that severely hampered the NLRB's functionality. Days after taking office, he fired board member Gwynne Wilcox, leaving the board without a quorum necessary for decision-making. When a quorum was eventually restored, Trump appointed two Republicans, creating a conservative majority that has been less favorable to union efforts.
The NLRB, which enforces labor law in the private sector and conducts union elections, also saw its workforce shrink dramatically. Approximately 100 employees left due to early retirements and resignation buyouts pushed by Elon Musk's unofficial "department of government efficiency," reducing the staff to about 1,100 workers. This is a stark contrast to the 1,545 employees in 2016, even as the private sector workforce grew from 120 million to over 135 million during the same period.
Public Support for Unions Remains Strong Despite Decline
Interestingly, the decline in union activity occurs against a backdrop of rising public approval for labor unions. Gallup polls show that support climbed from 56% in 2016 to 68% in 2025, with backing spanning age, educational, and partisan lines. Aurelia Glass, author of the report and a policy analyst at the Center for American Progress, noted that "workers still want unions" despite the NLRB being "relentlessly attacked" under the Trump administration.
She emphasized, "There's still a lot of interest and momentum behind these campaigns, so I think workers are going to continue to try to find ways to move forward." The NLRB did not respond to requests for comment on these findings.
This situation raises concerns about the future of workers' rights and collective bargaining in the U.S., as political influences continue to shape the effectiveness of federal labor protections.
