A NEW LABOR MOVEMENT: WHAT MOTIVATES WORKERS TO UNIONIZE AND WHAT STANDS IN THEIR WAY?

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, union rates in the United States were at their lowest since the 1980s. The recent success of unionization efforts at companies such as Amazon and Starbucks raise questions about what makes unionization successful and which factors explain the current resurgence in labor organizing. This thesis explores theories about what drives workers to unionize, including feelings of dissatisfaction and estrangement (Marx), the gap between an employee's expectations and achievements (Wheeler), community and social movement solidarity, legal frameworks, and other factors. I conclude that the communication between workers and the resources of the movement are directly proportional to its success, while shop size is inversely proportional. The current state of weak union laws in the United States, particularly in Republican-controlled states, causes employees to face adversity in unionizing and negotiating with employers.