Wins for Amazon and Starbucks workers shows labor movement surging after years of decline – but pushback has been fierce.

After years of decline, the American labor movement is experiencing a resurgence, with an increase in popularity of unions and of workers organizing.

But the corporate pushback in America has been fierce, and has come amid aallegations of union-busting, and brutal campaigns to try and discourage workers from organizing.

An August 2021 poll conducted by Gallup found support for labor unions at their highest point in the US since 1965, with 68% support in the US. Labor unions were the only institution for whom Americans’ approval did not decline over the past year, in a June poll on confidence for 16 major US institutions.

During the first three-quarters of the fiscal year, the National Labor Relations reported an increase of union election petitions by 58%, up to 1,892 from 1,197.

The NLRB is now pushing for increased funding to handle the surge in labor activity. But labor law reform has not been able to get through the US Senate, despite being passed in the House.

Some of the largest US corporations and brands have seen workers organize for the first time ever.

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