The role of unions in the modern workforce is evolving, and a new survey shows that different generations have distinct views on what unions should prioritize. While workers across all age groups agree that unions should focus on wages, workplace safety, and benefits administration, younger workers are pushing for unions to address emerging workplace challenges.
The 2025 LaborStrong Perceptions and Priorities of Labor survey found that workers between 18 and 28 years old are entering the labor force with a strong belief in unions. For them, whether a job is unionized is a significant factor when considering employment. They trust that union workplaces provide better benefits, fairer treatment, and stronger protections for workers. However, they also believe that unions must evolve to remain relevant. These younger workers expect unions to move beyond traditional concerns and advocate for issues like work-life balance, AI and automation, wage inequality, and flexible work policies.
More than half of all workers surveyed identified AI and automation in the workplace as a key issue that unions need to address in the coming year. At 53%, this concern ranked just behind wage inequality and living wages, which were cited by 54% of respondents. Remote and hybrid work policies were also seen as critical, with 47% of workers calling for unions to take a stronger stance on these policies. These findings highlight how the definition of workplace advocacy is shifting, particularly among younger workers who want unions to take a more active role in shaping the future of work.
How Different Generations View Unions and What That Means for the Future
While younger workers strongly support unions, their expectations differ from those of older generations. Gen Z and Millennial workers believe that AI and automation are creating new workplace challenges that unions must be prepared to address. Many see unions as a way to ensure that technological advancements do not come at the expense of job security. They want labor organizations to push for retraining programs, regulations that prevent job displacement, and ethical standards around the use of AI in hiring and performance evaluations.
Older workers, on the other hand, are less certain about the impact of AI and automation on the workplace. For them, the primary concerns remain wages, job stability, and benefits. They view unions as institutions that protect traditional labor rights, rather than as vehicles for shaping the future of work. This generational divide suggests that unions will need to strike a balance between addressing longstanding labor concerns and adapting to the priorities of a younger workforce.
Another key finding from the survey is that younger workers rank paid leave and work-life balance as more important than wage increases and adherence to health and safety standards. These priorities differ significantly from older workers, particularly those aged 45 to 60, who place much less emphasis on work-life balance. Among workers aged 61 and older, paid leave ranked even lower. The divide shows a fundamental shift in how different generations perceive job satisfaction and career sustainability. While older workers have traditionally focused on financial stability, younger workers see work-life balance as a critical factor in their overall well-being.
Younger and Older Workers See Unions Differently, but a Common Ground Remains
Despite generational differences, there are areas of agreement. Workers of all ages believe that unions should continue advocating for fair wages, strong benefits, and workplace safety. The survey also found that trust in unions peaks for workers in their 30s and 40s, suggesting that as employees gain more experience in the workforce, they recognize the importance of collective representation.
Union workplaces continue to be viewed as superior to non-union workplaces in terms of benefits, fairness, and safety. Many workers consider a job’s union status when evaluating potential employment, though this factor matters less to Gen X compared to other generations. This suggests that while younger workers place a high value on union membership and older workers have a long-standing connection to union protections, Gen X employees may feel less engaged with organized labor. Understanding why this middle generation is less likely to prioritize union status could be key for unions looking to expand membership.
Another area of agreement across generations is the need for unions to expand their focus. While wages, benefits, and safety remain critical, workers recognize that modern workplace issues demand attention. The rise of AI and automation, shifting work models, and changing employee expectations mean that unions must evolve if they want to maintain relevance. Workers expect their unions to advocate for policies that not only protect jobs but also create opportunities for professional growth, flexibility, and equitable treatment in the workplace.
Gen Z and Boomers View Unions in Distinct Ways, but the Mission Remains Strong
The survey findings show that while younger and older workers see unions through different lenses, their belief in the value of organized labor remains strong. For Gen Z, unions represent more than just wage negotiations—they are a way to ensure that the evolving workplace remains fair and equitable. These workers trust that unions can effectively advocate for their rights, but they also expect them to take a more active role in shaping modern labor policies.
Boomers and older generations, while still supportive of unions, tend to view them as protectors of long-established labor rights rather than as drivers of workplace innovation. Their focus remains on wages and benefits rather than on issues like AI regulation and flexible work policies. The contrast between generations presents both a challenge and an opportunity for unions.
To stay relevant, unions will need to bridge this generational gap by addressing both traditional labor concerns and emerging workplace trends. Younger workers want unions to fight for policies that support career sustainability, work-life balance, and protections against automation-driven job loss. Older workers continue to rely on unions for wage security and job stability. By responding to both sets of concerns, unions can reinforce their role as essential advocates for all workers, regardless of age or industry.
The evolving expectations of younger workers suggest that unions will need to modernize their approach to advocacy. A workforce that places high value on flexibility, professional growth, and technological fairness requires representation that understands these priorities. As unions adapt to meet these demands, they will continue to serve as a critical force in protecting workers’ rights and shaping the future of employment.
