Unions positively impact US workers' wages, benefits, democracy

There is an interesting new study out the US that documents the impact of unions on workers lives. Among its findings are:

On average, the 17 U.S. states with the highest union densities have:

• higher than average minimum wages, and minimum wage sup to 40% higher than those in low-union-density states
• higher median annual incomes 
• more unemployed workers eligible to receive unemployment insurance benefits
• fewer workers without health insurance
• a greater likelihood of legislated paid sick leave laws and paid family and medical leave laws 
• fewer restrictive voting laws.

You can read the full study at the link above.

-- Bob Barnetson