Which region of the United States has the lowest percentage of workers that belong to a labor union?

The South has the lowest percentage of workers who belong to a labor union in the United States. This can be attributed to several historical and economic factors. The South has a more diverse and expansive economy that relies heavily on industries such as agriculture and manufacturing, where unionization rates tend to be lower. Additionally, the South has a longstanding tradition of "right-to-work" laws, which allow employees to work without being required to join a union or pay union dues. This legal framework can weaken union representation and create a culture that is less supportive of union membership.

In contrast, regions like the Midwest, which has a strong historical presence of industrial labor unions, tend to have higher percentages of unionized workers due to the legacy of manufacturing jobs and a greater emphasis on collective bargaining. The Mid-Atlantic region also has a significant labor union presence, driven by industries such as transportation, healthcare, and public sector jobs. The Pacific Northwest, while having some areas with lower union membership, generally supports labor unions more than the South.

Overall, the combination of economic conditions, legal regulations, and historical context contributes to the South having the lowest union membership rates in the country.