Washington, D.C. — A new analysis from the Center for American Progress finds that Gen Z men show stronger support for unions than do people of any other age or gender. The findings show that this historic support is closely tied to the substantial wage gains, benefits, and financial stability unions deliver for young workers.
“Gen Z men are navigating high costs, uncertain job prospects, and delayed financial independence,” said Aurelia Glass, policy analyst for the American Worker Project at the Center for American Progress and author of the analysis. “They recognize that unions are one of the most effective tools for achieving stability.”
CAP’s analysis highlights how:
- Young men are struggling financially: Gen Z men are less likely to be financially independent than previous generations and report high levels of economic instability.
- Unions deliver major wage gains: Union membership boosts wages for men younger than 34 by 17.6 percent compared with nonunion young men—a significantly larger union wage premium than that of other workers.
- Benefits are far stronger in union jobs: Young union workers are much more likely to receive employer-provided health insurance and retirement plans.
- Unions help young men build wealth: Union membership doubles household wealth for high school graduates and triples it for workers without a high school diploma, adding roughly $1.3 million in lifetime earnings.
- Union households are more financially secure: 64 percent of men younger than 30 in union households say they are financially stable, compared with 46 percent of nonunion peers.
- Gen Z men show uniquely high support for unions: Their 2024 approval rating of 65 out of 100 is higher than any other age or gender group today, and it is also higher than any past generation at the same age.
Read the analysis: “Why Gen Z Men Are the Most Pro-Union Generation in History: Unions Build Stable Finances” by Aurelia Glass.
For more information or to speak with an expert, please contact Christian Unkenholz at [email protected].