Union membership can save lives and improve health
- A study found that every additional year spent as a union member reduces mortality risks by 1.5 percent.
- Unions improve workplace safety, increase compensation, and provide health benefits.
- The research highlights the urgent need to reconsider the role of unions amidst declining life expectancy in the U.S.
In 2023, a significant study published in the journal Social Science & Medicine revealed crucial findings regarding union membership and its impact on mortality rates in the United States. The research analyzed extensive data gathered through the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, which tracks earnings and employment for various cohorts, particularly those born between 1935 and 1965. Over four decades of data, researchers found that each additional year of union membership correlates with a 1.5 percent reduction in mortality risks. This association underscores the multifaceted benefits of union affiliations, extending beyond just economic considerations to important health implications. Several mechanisms propose how union membership enhances health outcomes. Firstly, unions frequently advocate for improved workplace safety standards, which can directly reduce workplace injuries and fatalities. Secondly, union members often enjoy greater economic compensation compared to their non-union counterparts, which can alleviate financial stress and improve overall living conditions. Lastly, unions typically offer substantial fringe benefits, including health insurance, paid sick leave, vacation time, and retirement plans, contributing to better health outcomes and overall well-being. This research comes at a pivotal moment as the U.S. faces declining life expectancy levels, having fallen to 76.4 years, marking the lowest point in nearly two decades. This decline points to a wider public health crisis characterized by worsening mortality rates across various demographics. Experts suggest that addressing this crisis could be facilitated through policy changes that reinforce the benefits associated with union membership, potentially serving as a protective factor in a rapidly changing labor landscape. The findings promote a broader conversation about the value of labor unions in today’s economy, especially considering the significant health disparities that exist among different occupational groups. As such, policymakers and advocates are encouraged to consider the implications of these findings in future legislation, particularly at a time when union membership has been declining over recent decades. Strengthening union-related policies could enhance workers' rights and health outcomes in tandem, addressing both economic and social health crises effectively.