Zoha Murtaza
MGT 425.01
Professor Ruane
HW #1 Reading Reflection
September 3, 2025
Homework assignment #1: “Unions are just good for workers..”
Please read the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) August 2025 report "Unions Aren't Just Good
for Workers..." posted below (and also in Chapter #1's materials folder in BB). Answer the
following question:
Please discuss TWO new insights you learned in the EPI report about unions (i.e.
claim/statement, figure, or statistic...be specific!!) that were most interesting or surprising
to you. Be specific - provide an in-text citation for the particular fact, figure, or quotation,
if applicable, from the report in your response.
Your reflection for EACH insight should be 1-2 short paragraphs (about 4-6
sentences/paragraph), making sure to fully describe it and explain exactly why you found it so
interesting or surprising.
One insight I found interesting in the EPI report about unions is the clear difference of insurance
access/benefits between those in unions vs those who aren’t unionized, especially those facing
unemployment. The average unemployment insurance rate of those living in high density union
states was 36%, this is double the 18% compared to those living in low density union states.
(EPI,2025,pg 45) It’s surprising to see that unemployed workers who have stronger union ties are
more likely to get benefits when they lose their job. I’ve kind of assumed that whatever benefits
you get from unemployment is based on whatever role you had and the government tries to met
that somehow. This stat highlights the importance of union strength in states who have more
unions compared to those states that don’t. Unions don’t just negotiate for paychecks they also
push for more state level polices that ensure workers are getting the best possible benefits.
Throughout the reading, I can see/understand that state level union advocacy is way more
important that what I originally thought. It really makes a difference in how workers are treated
during/after employment by bigger companies or by the government .
Another insight that stuck out me was that since 2021 low union density states passed 44 voter
restriction laws, comparing that to the high density union states that only passed six.(EPI,
2025,pg 92) I already knew that unions play a part in protecting voter rights but, I didn’t know
the numbers of the voter restriction laws that got passed. This stat shows the strong connection
between unions and rights of the working class. The data shows that unions are deep into
political organizations that try to counteract efforts that suppress the vote. Less unions leave
communities more vulnerable to experience violation of their rights, unions are a safeguard for
us and protects our rights.
Works Cited:
Economic Policy Insitute.(2025 August 20) Unions aren’t just good for workers
https://www.epi.org/publication/unions-and-well-being/?utm_source=chatgpt.com