The State Of The Unions In Arkansas

Union membership has taken a hit over the past decade. Its role has changed since its inception more than 140 years ago. And so have its challenges.

Since 2000, membership rates in Fort Smith and Van Buren declined 17 percent. Some in the organization attribute the decline to layoffs, outsourced jobs and difficulty spurring interest for new unions.

During the labor movement of the early 20th century, unions took part in bolstering public awareness about reforms needed in the workplace. Today, the organizations continue to play a role for workers facing a different set of challenges than their predecessors.

Membership Rates

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there were 5,661 members of 17 different unions in Fort Smith and Van Buren last year. Those numbers are down from the 6,661 reported in 2006 and down from 7,398 in 2002. Full Story Here.......