Laborfest kicks off amid record-low union membership in Wisconsin

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- An annual Labor Day tradition is underway in downtown Milwaukee. The Laborfest Parade kicked off Monday, Sept. 1, as unions are struggling more than they have before in Wisconsin.

The parade route stepped off at Zeidler Union Square where workers and political figures marched toward Maier Festival Park -- as they do every year. But what's different in 2025 is union membership in Wisconsin are at an all-time low. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6.4% of wage and salary workers in the state are in a union. That is the lowest it's ever been down from 7.4% last year. 

Wisconsin is well below its neighbor states as Minnesota, Michigan and Illinois all have union membership rates of either 13% or 14%. 

CBS 58 asked a couple of the laborers how they believe unions can reverse that trend. 

"I think the word just needs to get out there more and let some of these younger people know that it's a great career opportunity. I think a lot of people shy away from it because they think it's dirty or may not be for them," said Jerry Marzullo, construction flagger, union member. 

"I think we need to encourage more people to join the unions and to make sure they know we do promote family-sustaining wages," said Mabel Planter, an office manager and member of Laborers Local 113. "We do promote benefits that are gonna keep you and your family able to pay your bills."

For context, the all-time high for union membership in Wisconsin was 20.9% back in 1989. Of course, a lot has changed since then including Act 10 and Right to Work laws.