Gen Z is the most pro-union generation, new CAP analysis finds

Washington — Generation Z workers (those born after 1995) want to make sure they have a seat at the table in the workplace and have rallied to create unions to fight for benefits and rights for workers. A new Center for American Progress issue brief finds that Gen Z is the most pro-union generation in America today.

Across education level, ideology, and gender, Gen Zers report widespread support for unions. Gen Z’s growing support for unions and their wins illustrates how this generation is ushering in a new wave of union support and mobilizing to make changes in the workplace.

KEY FINDINGS
Some key findings from the report include:

• New data find that Gen Z is the most pro-union generation when compared with Millennials, Gen Xers, and even Baby Boomers, despite their all-time high support for unions in 1972.
• Republican Gen Zers show higher support for unions than Republicans in other generations—the narrowest partisan gap of union support of any generation.
• The greater racial and ethnic diversity of younger generations has contributed to high support for unions, as those identifying as Black or African-American, Hispanic or Latino, or other non-white races and ethnicities tend to be more supportive of unions.
• Gen Zers both with and without a college degree are the most supportive of any generation, closing the divide between those who attended college and those who did not.
• Gen Z is leading crucial union fights and winning.

HUNGRY FOR CHANGE
“Despite entering the workforce amid a global pandemic and economic uncertainty, Gen Z is hungry for change, and unionizing is helping this generation have a voice in the workplace,” said Aurelia Glass, a research associate for the Business, Government, and Workers team and author of the report.

“Gen Z is at the forefront of building a better workplace for their generation and generations to follow. The broad base of support across gender, ideology, and educational status affirms that Gen Z is the most pro-union generation in America today and will be the foundation for the already impressive streak of union organizing wins.”

(The Center for American Progress is a nonpartisan research and educational institute dedicated to promoting a strong, just and free America that ensures opportunity for all.)