<P> Labor unions in the United States are organizations that represent workers in many industries recognized under US labor law . Their activity today centers on collective bargaining over wages, benefits, and working conditions for their membership, and on representing their members in disputes with management over violations of contract provisions . Larger unions also typically engage in lobbying activities and electioneering at the state and federal level . </P> <P> Most unions in the United States are aligned with one of two larger umbrella organizations: the AFL - CIO created in 1955, and the Change to Win Federation which split from the AFL - CIO in 2005 . Both advocate policies and legislation on behalf of workers in the United States and Canada, and take an active role in politics . The AFL - CIO is especially concerned with global trade issues . </P> <P> In 2016, there were 14.6 million members in the U.S., down from 17.7 million in 1983 . The percentage of workers belonging to a union in the United States (or total labor union "density") was 10.7%, compared to 20.1% in 1983 . Union membership in the private sector has fallen under 7%--levels not seen since 1932 . From a global perspective, the density in 2013 was 7.7% in France, 18.1% in Germany, 27.1% in Canada, and 88.9% in Iceland, which is currently highest in the world . </P> <P> In the 21st century the most prominent unions are among public sector employees such as city employees, government workers, teachers and police . Members of unions are disproportionately older, male, and residents of the Northeast, the Midwest, and California . Union workers average 10 - 30% higher pay than non-union in the United States after controlling for individual, job, and labor market characteristics . </P>

What percentage of the united states labor force is currently unionized