A RILA study examining the ongoing rise in unionization efforts across the retail sector, analyzing trends, organizing activity, and implications for employers and workforce strategy.
The national retail unionization movement is gaining momentum. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is overturning decades of precedent with decisions that are changing the parameters of union organizing – and leaving organizations confused and scrambling.
In retail specifically, we’re seeing a dramatic increase in concerns about issues regarding employee safety and workplace well-being. With time and momentum on the unions' side, retailers must act now and take proactive measures, including assessing vulnerabilities and labor readiness, to protect their organizations and avoid becoming part of the labor unionization trend.
The Spring 2024 Labor Activity in Retail, released by IRI Consultants in partnership with RILA, examines the latest data on union organizing and membership across the nation and provides perspectives by leading labor law experts, including a look at the current rise of organized retail crime and its effect on employee safety from RILA.
In 2023, 127 representation elections were held in the retail industry. This was down from a record-high 164 elections in 2022 but was still well above average. Unions were elected in 65 percent of elections held in 2023, down from 73 percent the previous year.
For a free copy of the "2024 Study Reveals Retail Theft Is Underreported," please complete the form.
