What can weaken a union's negotiating power?

A union's negotiating power can be significantly weakened by a decrease in membership numbers. Membership is fundamental to a union's strength, as it typically reflects the level of solidarity and collective bargaining power that the union can assert during negotiations with employers. When there is a decline in the number of members, the union loses not only its bargaining clout but also its financial resources, which can hinder its ability to support members effectively during negotiations.

A robust membership base contributes to a union's leverage by demonstrating unity and a larger collective interest, making it more difficult for employers to dismiss the union's demands. Conversely, when membership decreases, the unity is weakened, and employers may feel emboldened to resist or negotiate less favorably, believing the union lacks support among the workforce.

While strong economic growth and positive relationships with employers may present scenarios where negotiations can feel more favorable, they do not inherently undermine a union's power as significantly as reduced membership does. Active member engagement tends to strengthen a union's position as well, making a decline in membership the primary factor that detracts from a union's negotiating strength.