Québec, April 24, 2025. – In 2024, about 40% of payroll employees were unionized in Québec, a similar rate to that observed 20 years ago. The union coverage rate stood at about 38% for men and 41% for women. Over the past 20 years, union coverage has increased among women (by about 3 percentage points) but decreased among men (by about 3.5 points).
These findings come from the publication Portrait de l’emploi syndiqué et non syndiqué au Québec released by the Institut de la statistique du Québec.
Union coverage rates by industry
Between 2004 and 2024, only the manufacturing industry saw a significant decline in its union coverage rate, which dropped from 40.3% to 29.4%.
In 2024, certain industries had union coverage rates higher than the average for all industries combined, including:
- Public administration (81.6%)
- Educational services (81.0%)
- Utilities (73.9%)
- Health care and social assistance (65.0%)
- Construction (59.0%)
Conversely, the following industries had below-average union coverage rates:
- Manufacturing (29.4%)
- Trade (16.1%)
- Accommodation and food services (9.0%)
- Professional, scientific and technical services (7.4%)
Larger increase in hourly wages for non-unionized employees than for unionized employees
In 2024, average hourly wages were approximately $35.00 for unionized employees and $33.00 for non-unionized employees. Compared with 2004, average wages for non-unionized employees have grown by about 100%, while earnings for unionized employees have increased by about 73%. The gap in hourly wages between the two groups has narrowed from 19% in 2004 to 7% in 2024.
Unionized employees more likely to have non-wage benefits
In 2024, the share of employees who reported having a workplace pension plan was higher among unionized than non-unionized employees (83% vs. 39%).
Unionized employees were also more likely to have access to paid vacation leave (89% vs. 73%) and employer-paid sick leave (84% vs. 62%).
Disability insurance was more likely to be available to unionized than non-unionized employees (77% vs. 46%). This was also the case for medical or dental insurance (77% vs. 50%).
The Institut de la statistique du Québec produces, analyzes and disseminates official, objective and quality statistical information on various aspects of Québec society. It is responsible for conducting all statistical surveys of general interest. The relevance of its work makes it a strategic ally for decision makers and an essential source of information for all those wishing to learn more about Québec.