A new report reveals that Nashville has one of the lowest labor union membership rates among large U.S. metro areas, with only 3% of workers unionized—second only to Charlotte, North Carolina. While union activity in the South has increased, particularly in auto manufacturing, overall participation remains low compared to Northeastern and Pacific regions. The study notes that union membership nationwide has declined from 24% in 1979 to about 10% today, despite union workers earning roughly 17.5% more on average. The decline is attributed to political, economic, and technological changes, with Southern states historically being less union-friendly.
See "New report shows Nashville has one of country's lowest labor union participation rates", Molly Davis, The Tennessean, May 30, 2025