Germany: Union density continues to decline

2023 statistics confirm the slow, but steady, trend that (collectively) trade unions in Germany are getting smaller. A decade ago, union membership numbers were 8% higher, while three decades ago they were 80% higher.

The bottom line: All unions continue to suffer from demographic change: many older members are quitting, retiring, or dying. In 2022, the number of members in the DGB unions in Germany was around 5.64 million. 10 years ago there were 6.15 million members. 20 years ago there were 7.7 million members

Key points: During the past twenty years the German labor market has experienced significant transformations:

• Industries like mining, steel, and textiles, traditionally union strongholds have become less important.
• On the other hand, employees in new sectors such as IT are rarely represented by unions.
• The rise of “new work” has introduced novel employment models, including freelancing and gig work, alongside a surge in self-employment.
• Companies increasingly offer individual, flexible working hours. Arguments about a 38 or a 35-hour week are becoming less and less important.
• Employees are changing jobs more frequently and more quickly than before. Unions rely on stability in employment for stability in membership.
• The number of women and part-time employees in unions reflect the general trend: in 1994 22% of female employees and 17% of part-time employees were union members. By 2012, this had declined to 14% and 13% respectively.