Life’s better in a union: AFSCME launches union wage calculator compiling BLS data released today

WASHINGTON — Today, upon release of the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ annual report on union membership and earnings, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) is launching a Union Wage Calculator to help workers evaluate the material benefit of having a voice on the job. At https://afscme.org/union-wages.org, workers can enter their current salary and demographic information to find out what their earnings would be if they had a union, or alternatively, how much more they are earning because they are union members.

AFSCME President Lee Saunders said, “Year after year, the BLS report affirms that workers have power in a union. Now, with public approval of unions and the number of union petitions for representation surging to levels unseen in decades, it’s clear that workers also see the value of organizing a union.”

This new calculator is part of a larger digital campaign highlighting the union difference. It will be rolled out across Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and thousands of other websites, using both video and static ads to generate engagement.

“We can’t ignore that anti-worker forces have tried to make it as difficult as possible to join a union, but workers aren’t backing down,” said Saunders. “When we have a seat at the table, we receive higher wages, better benefits, and job and retirement security that helps to build stronger, more prosperous communities. And, as the BLS data reveal, these benefits are critical to leveling the playing field for women and workers of color.”

Visit https://afscme.org/union-wages.org to learn how being in a union could make a difference in your life.