This year’s Bureau of Labor Statistics report on union membership was the worst in recent memory. With only 11.3% of American workers in unions, union density in 2012 reached its lowest level since 1916.
Fewer workers are in unions, but evidence from around the world shows that density in itself doesn’t always translate into power.
In Michigan, the GOP legislature just rammed Right to Work through in a lame duck session. Our GOP Governor, Rick Snyder repeatedly said that he didn't want to see RTW legislation in Michigan, but he signed it. I think it will make him a 1-term Governor. (That, and because he is about to take Detroit into State receivership. Also while saying that he doesn't want to.) Currently, it seems that the Dems are taking the heat for RTW getting through. The long-time minority leader is being sacked, and many are blaming the Dems for fighting too much on ballot measures (including a Constitutional amendment blocking RTW) instead of winning more Dem seats. So in this sense, I think Maisano might be right that US labor is more willing to turn toward the political process rather than take to the streets. However, I think this characteristic extends well beyond just labor in the US. Still, unions are also paying for their own transgressions. There is a characterization that unions would defend the worst workers and hinder the best, and there is truth in it. Unions became bloated, political, and unresponsive. That's part of the reason why they aren't being defended with gusto.