Making Workplaces More Equitable

Diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace

Unions are among the most powerful forces ensuring that everyone, no matter their race, gender, or sexuality, gets a fair shake in the workplace. The pay gap for women and people of color is real, significant, and resistant to closing. However, organized labor—despite its imperfections—has been one of the most impactful institutions in narrowing racial wage gaps in the labor market.

“No other organization I know of brings people of all backgrounds together like labor unions.”

– Jean ﹰGonzales, UFCW Local 1564

The union advantage benefits all workers and has an equalizing effect on wages. For example, women covered by a union contract earn, on average, 9.5 percent more than non-unionized women. Additionally, nondiscrimination clauses in contracts ensure that union workers have protections that comply with or go beyond what is contained in the law.

Data: 

Black workers represented by a union are paid 14.6 percent more than their non-unionized Black peers (EPI, 2023).
Hispanic workers represented by a union are paid 17.6 percent more than their non-unionized Hispanic peers (EPI, 2023).
Union-represented workers in service occupations (which include food service and janitorial services) are paid 47.7 percent more in wages than their non-union counterparts. These occupations are disproportionately held by women (EPI, 2023).

The UFCW is a leader in pioneering legislative anti-discrimination work and is a supporter of the EQUALITY Act, which would ensure civil rights protections for LGBTQIA+ workers who can still be fired for who they love. That’s a legacy we’re proud of and we continue the fight to ensure workplace rights and equality for every worker.