(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - There is an undeniable correlation between higher levels of Unionization and stronger economic, community and Democratic outcomes, according to the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), as States with a larger share of Workers represented by a Union enjoy higher incomes, greater access to health insurance and fewer voting restrictions.

When Workers join together in a Union and collectively bargain with their employer, they can improve their pay, benefits and working conditions, the EPI says.

Union contracts provide Workers with: Higher wages: Higher wages for Women; Reduced racial wage gaps: Reduced income inequality: Healthier and safer workplaces; and a Secure retirement.

And Unions do more than just give Workers a voice at work - high Union Density also shapes the strength and the health of our communities.

For example, States with high Union Density experience: Higher minimum wages; Higher incomes - Median household incomes in high Union Density States are more than $12,000 higher, on average, than median incomes in low Union-Density States; Greater access to retirement security - States with smaller declines in Union Density experienced smaller reductions in employer-provided retirement plans; Greater access to health insurance; Greater access to Paid Sick Leave; Greater access to Unemployment Insurance; More spending on education; Safeguarding reproductive freedom; and Fewer Voting Restriction Laws.

The evidence is clear: When Unions are strong, Workers have more power and communities thrive.

Building Union Density is not just a Worker or workplace issue - it is also a mechanism to uplift families and communities.

In the face of rising inequality and authoritarianism, Unions organize, educate and mobilize Working People to defend voting rights, push back against disinformation and expand civic participation.

Rebuilding Worker Power by strengthening Unions is not just good policy - it is a Democratic imperative in the face of authoritarian backsliding.

To Read This Labor News Story In Its Entirety, Go To: Strong unions, stronger communities and democracy | Economic Policy Institute