Unions have long been seen as champions of fair wages, workplace safety, and job security. While these priorities remain essential, younger workers are expanding the conversation, demanding that unions take a stronger stance on issues that reflect the realities of today’s workforce. According to a recent study, early to mid-career workers are calling for unions to address AI and automation, wage inequality, and remote and hybrid work policies. The 2025 LaborStrong Perceptions and Priorities of Labor survey found that more than half of all workers identified AI and automation as a key issue that unions must tackle in the coming year, just behind wage inequality and livable wages at 54%.
These findings highlight a generational shift in expectations. While older workers see unions primarily as protectors of wages and benefits, Gen Z and Millennials believe their role should evolve to meet new workplace challenges. Younger employees are looking for unions to advocate for work-life balance, mental health support, and protections against the rapid implementation of AI-driven automation. For labor movements to remain relevant, unions must adapt to these changing demands and address the concerns of the next generation of workers.
Gen Z Wants Unions to Take a Stand on AI and Mental Health at Work
Younger workers are entering the job market at a time of unprecedented technological and cultural shifts. AI is transforming industries, automating tasks that were once performed by humans, and raising concerns about job security. The survey found that Gen Z and Millennial workers strongly believe unions need to be ready to address the workplace challenges AI presents, while older workers are far less certain about its impact. Many young employees see unions as the best line of defense against the risks of automation, expecting them to push for policies that protect workers from job displacement, ensure fair wages in an AI-driven economy, and provide retraining opportunities for those whose roles may change due to technology.
Mental health and work-life balance are also major priorities for younger workers. While wages remain important, survey respondents between 18 and 28 ranked paid leave and work-life balance higher than wage increases and health and safety standards. These issues were more than twice as important to younger workers compared to those aged 45 to 60 and more than three times as important compared to those over 61. This shift reflects a growing demand for unions to advocate for policies that recognize the pressures of modern work culture, including protections against burnout, flexible scheduling options, and access to employer-sponsored mental health resources.
From AI to Burnout, Young Workers Expect Unions to Address Modern Challenges
The survey findings suggest that younger workers want unions to be forward-thinking, addressing issues that go beyond traditional labor concerns. While older generations still prioritize wages and benefits, Gen Z employees are looking for unions to push for workplace policies that promote sustainability, equity, and adaptability in an evolving job market. More than half of all surveyed workers classified AI and automation in the workplace as a critical issue for unions to take on within the next year. This expectation signals that employees are not only concerned about job security but also about how AI will be integrated into hiring practices, performance evaluations, and everyday workflow.
Work-life balance remains another pressing issue. With remote and hybrid work policies ranking among the top concerns, younger workers expect unions to negotiate for flexible work arrangements that allow them to maintain a healthy separation between their professional and personal lives. Many employees feel that the blurred boundaries between work and home life have led to unrealistic expectations of constant availability. They see unions as a necessary force in advocating for the right to disconnect, ensuring that workers are not pressured to respond to work-related communications outside of designated hours.
Paid leave policies are also an area where younger workers want unions to take a more active role. The survey found that younger respondents placed significantly higher value on paid leave compared to their older counterparts, signaling a generational shift in workplace priorities. They are looking for unions to secure policies that go beyond the standard benefits package, including paid mental health days, expanded parental leave, and accommodations for caregiving responsibilities. This emphasis on work-life balance reflects a broader cultural change, where workers are prioritizing well-being alongside financial security.
The Next Generation of Workers is Pushing Unions to Adapt to a Changing Workforce
Unions have historically been a driving force in securing workplace protections, and younger workers believe they still have an essential role to play. However, they are also aware that unions cannot remain stagnant. The survey revealed that many early to mid-career workers feel unions need to expand their areas of impact to remain relevant in today’s job market. This means developing strategies that address AI’s long-term implications, pushing for modern workplace benefits, and advocating for policies that reflect changing employee expectations.
Union representation remains a key factor for many job seekers, though interest varies across generations. The survey found that when evaluating a potential job, union status plays a significant role in decision-making, though Gen X workers consider it less often than their younger and older counterparts. This suggests that while trust in unions remains strong, engagement levels fluctuate depending on career stage and personal priorities.
Workers of all ages still believe in the core mission of unions, with trust in unions to represent workers effectively peaking in people’s 30s and 40s. Union workplaces continue to outperform non-union ones in terms of benefits, fairness, and workplace safety. However, the evolving workforce expects unions to adapt alongside these strengths, ensuring they remain relevant to the needs of both current and future employees.
For unions to stay effective, they must recognize the shifting priorities of the workers they represent. Gen Z employees are pushing for labor movements that champion workplace protections beyond wages, advocating for policies that safeguard well-being, protect against the risks of automation, and promote a balanced and flexible work culture. If unions can rise to meet these challenges, they will continue to play a vital role in shaping the future of work.