Union Decline Leads To Wage Decline For All

5 States Where the Middle Class Is Being Destroyed

Wisconsin: -5.7% 

The clear winner (or loser) in the race to the bottom has been Wisconsin, losing 5.7% of its middle class households since 2000. Average median income has dropped by roughly $9,000 annually, and costs of living have gone up as well. There have also been many political battles that have not worked in the middle class’s favor. Governor Scott Walker gutted many of the state’s unions — which has a big effect on the middle class — and all signs seem to indicate that he will aim to implement similar policies. Like Ohio, Wisconsin’s makeup was particularly vulnerable to a recession, and the proof is in the numbers.

Union Membership In Wisconsin Plummets In Wake Of GOP Measures

In 2015, 8.3% of Wisconsin workers, or 223,000 in all, were members of unions. That was down sharply from the 306,000 people, or 11.7% of the state’s workforce, who belonged to unions in 2014.

For Further Reading:

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The Destruction Of Progressive Wisconsin

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Unions, Public Sector & Wages