Houston's union membership third lowest in Texas
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Greater Houston's union membership rate ranked 50th among large U.S. metros in 2023.
By the numbers: Of Greater Houston's 3.2 million employed residents, nearly 123,000 (3.8%) were union members in 2023, according to Construction Coverage, an analysis firm focusing on construction and real estate.
- An additional 22,200 Houston-area workers had jobs with benefits from their union's collective bargaining but did not join or pay dues, the firm found.
Zoom out: Of Texas' largest metros, Houston has the third-lowest union membership rate.
- San Antonio ranked 52nd overall with a 3.1% union membership rate.
- Dallas ranked 49th with 3.8%, and Austin ranked 38th with 5.3%.
Between the lines: Texas labor laws undermine collective bargaining power and dissuade union membership while also containing few protections for workers.
- Supporters of these "right to work" policies, including Gov. Greg Abbott, have long said they help grow the economy.
The intrigue: Texas ranks 48th on the Best States to Work Index by Oxfam America, a nonprofit focused on ending poverty.
Yes, but: Organized labor in Houston has recently gained momentum:
- In February, United Food & Commercial Workers Local 455 — which represents 13,000 Houston-area Kroger workers — successfully bargained for a contract that increases wages, lowers health insurance premiums, and opens up more workers to employee benefits.
- Staff at the city's nonprofit news startup organized the Houston Landing NewsGuild, which was voluntarily recognized by Landing leadership.
- Houston firefighters won big in a settlement with the city years after IAFF Local 341 organized a ballot measure enshrining pay parity with police.
- Meanwhile, HOPE AFSCME Local 123, representing nearly 11,000 City of Houston municipal workers, started negotiations with Mayor John Whitmire in April aiming for the highest wage increase in the union's 19-year history.
What we're watching: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is currently leading the fight against a new U.S. Department of Labor overtime policy that would raise wages for state workers.
- A federal judge in June temporarily blocked the policy from taking effect in Texas as the case plays out.