Los Angeles Times (04/27/12) David Lazarus

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says private-sector union membership reached an all-time low of 7.6% of the work force in 2011. Experts say union membership is viewed by some employees as less necessary today given that more employers offer health and retirement benefits, and the economic downturn furthered the decline of organized labor by making employees fearful about losing their jobs. In the future, the experts believe employees will retain some protections but will seek legal recourse for such things as disability and discrimination claims. Moreover, young people with a good grasp of social networking are expected to lead future labor movements.