The role of unions in the modern workforce is shifting, and young workers are at the center of this transformation. A new nationwide study shows that more early to mid-career workers are seeing unions as essential to their careers, pushing for labor movements to evolve alongside changing workplace concerns. Issues such as AI and automation, wage inequality, remote and hybrid work policies, and work-life balance are now driving factors in union support among younger generations.
The 2025 LaborStrong Perceptions and Priorities of Labor survey found that more than half of all workers classified AI and automation as a key issue that unions need to address in the next year, placing it just one point behind wage inequality and living wages at 54%. Younger workers in particular believe that unions must take a stronger stance on protecting employees from the potential consequences of AI-driven automation. In addition, when evaluating a potential job, many workers take union status into account, though Gen X does so at a lower rate than both younger and older workers. These findings suggest that younger employees are not only looking for fair wages and benefits but also for broader protections in a rapidly evolving labor market.
More Young Workers Are Seeing Unions as Essential to Their Careers
Union membership has historically been associated with industries such as manufacturing, public service, and education, but younger workers are bringing renewed energy to the movement across a wider range of sectors. Many see unions as a way to secure better working conditions and fair treatment in an economy where job security is becoming less predictable. The survey found that union workplaces continue to outperform non-union workplaces in terms of benefits, fairness, and workplace safety, reinforcing the perception that unions provide valuable protections for employees at all levels.
For younger workers, financial stability remains important, but they are also prioritizing workplace policies that promote well-being and career sustainability. LaborStrong survey respondents between 18 and 28 placed significantly greater emphasis on paid leave and work-life balance than older generations, ranking them as more important than wage increases and adherence to health and safety standards. These issues were more than twice as important to younger workers than to those between 45 and 60 and more than three times as important compared to workers over 61. This generational shift reflects a growing demand for unions to advocate for policies that recognize the changing nature of work, including flexible scheduling, remote work protections, and mental health support.
Gen Z is Driving a New Wave of Union Support Across Industries
The resurgence of union support among younger workers is not limited to traditional labor sectors. Gen Z employees are increasingly involved in organizing efforts in industries such as technology, retail, and the gig economy, where unions have historically had less influence. They are not only joining unions at higher rates but also actively pushing for labor movements to address modern challenges such as AI-driven workplace policies and the impact of automation on job stability.
More than half of workers surveyed agreed that AI and automation are issues that unions must address in the next year, with younger workers expressing the strongest concerns. They see unions as a necessary force in negotiating fair AI implementation policies, ensuring that automation does not replace human workers without safeguards, and securing retraining opportunities for those whose roles may be affected. Unlike older workers, who are less certain about AI’s impact, younger employees are already expecting unions to take a proactive role in shaping how technology is integrated into the workforce.
Trust in unions remains strong across generations, with confidence peaking among workers in their 30s and 40s. However, younger employees are looking for labor movements that do more than negotiate wages and benefits. They expect unions to advocate for workplace policies that protect employee well-being and career longevity. Their concerns extend beyond traditional labor issues, encompassing work-life balance, mental health support, and protections for remote and hybrid workers. The demand for greater flexibility in work arrangements ranked high among survey respondents, signaling that unions must adapt to new workforce expectations if they want to maintain relevance.
Why Unions Are Gaining More Traction Among Today’s Young Workforce
The increased support for unions among younger workers reflects a fundamental shift in how employees view job security and workplace protections. While older generations have historically turned to unions for better wages and benefits, Gen Z is looking for broader advocacy that includes protections against burnout, fair treatment in AI-driven workplaces, and policies that reflect the modern work environment.
Paid leave and work-life balance have become defining issues for younger employees. The survey found that these concerns are not just priorities—they are seen as essential components of a fair and sustainable workplace. Unlike previous generations, who may have accepted longer hours and rigid work structures as the norm, Gen Z is actively pushing for unions to negotiate protections that allow for greater flexibility and mental well-being.
Union status is also playing a growing role in job selection. Many workers factor union representation into their employment decisions, recognizing that unionized workplaces offer more comprehensive benefits and stronger worker protections. While Gen X workers consider union status less often than younger and older generations, overall support for labor movements is rising, suggesting that unions will continue to play a critical role in shaping workplace policies for years to come.
As younger workers continue to push for labor advocacy that extends beyond traditional concerns, unions must evolve to meet their expectations. The future of union support will depend on how effectively labor movements address AI, automation, remote work policies, and the broader well-being of employees. Gen Z’s growing involvement in union organizing efforts indicates that they see unions as essential to their careers, but they also expect unions to modernize and adapt to the realities of today’s workforce.
The 2025 LaborStrong Perceptions and Priorities of Labor survey makes it clear that young workers are not only supporting unions but also reshaping their role in the workplace. Their emphasis on AI protections, work-life balance, and paid leave is redefining what labor movements must advocate for in the years ahead. If unions can successfully align with these evolving priorities, they will continue to gain traction among the next generation of workers, ensuring that labor representation remains a powerful force in shaping the future of work.
