Workers in 1998 held and won more union elections than in previous years and the elections are for an increasing number of workers, according to new federal data.

The statistics, compiled by the Bureau of National Affairs from National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) data, showed that 3,229 NLRB representation elections were held in 1998, an increase of 2.2 percent from 1997.

Unions won 1,653 or 51.2 percent of the NLRB elections in 1998. In 1997, unions won 50.3 percent of elections.

According to union statistics, at least 475,000 workers formed new unions at their workplaces in 1998.

GCIU Pres. James J. Norton said the NLRB election data "demonstrates that the AFL-CIO's and its affiliates' re-energized organizing programs are bearing fruit. We must keep this momentum going and build on our successes."

AFL-CIO Pres. John J. Sweeney said the new "statistics are good news for American workers, because growing unions mean better jobs and stronger communities. Unions are on the right track and are reaching out more than we have in years. We should celebrate this news by redoubling our efforts."

Noting that, for the first time since the election statistics began to be available, workers won half of the elections in which they participated for units of 500 or more, AFL-CIO Organizing Director Kirk Adams said that the "larger, concentrated wins are key to building a real voice for workers in this country. The lesson here is that unions have been making a real effort to reach out to larger workplaces, and it's working – we are gaining valuable experience and that translates into wins for workers."

The AFL-CIO noted that the NLRB statistics do not include some of the largest organizing wins in 1998 that occurred under the National Railway Labor Act or through employer recognition of majority worker support outside an election process.