To the editor:
Overall, labor union membership in the U.S. is on the decline. But new data from the Department of Labor shows that specific unions are bucking that trend. This includes Workers United, the union leading the charge to organize Starbucks workers across the country. With the help of its progressive reputation, the union gained 7,400 new members in 2022 -- a 10 percent increase.
But new and old members may not be getting the whole story on their union.
Most members probably don't know that Workers United is the largest shareholder at a bank that reports some decidedly un-progressive investments to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in firearms manufacturers, private prisons and even tear gas producers.
With unions, workers and the public rarely get the whole story. Education on the full extent of a union's reputation should be paramount.
Charlyce Bozzello
Communications director
Center for Union Facts
Arlington, Va.