Labor's Love Lost? Changes in the U.S. Environment and Declining Private Sector Unionism

Changes in the demographics of the work force and structural changes in the economy have played a key role in the declining union membership over time. Since these trends are anticipated to continue into the future, union attempts to stem the decline must accept these changes as given and adapt in ways that allow membership to grow as these shifts occur. Such a fundamental reorientation of priorities will be difficult, but some signs suggest that unions may be taking preliminary steps in this direction. Such change is vital to unions' survival, both as a social movement and as a political institutions.