(The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial stance of this publication.)

The diminishing number of young workers who are members of trade unions is a major source of concern. It raises the question of why there is a lack of interest among young workers in union membership. With an ageing membership, where the average age is around 40 and above, organising young workers has become an absolute priority.

As it stands, trade unions now face the arduous task of organising young workers who fall into the categories of Gen Z and millennials. Gen Z, or Generation Z, refers to those born roughly between 1997 and 2012. In 2026, this group is often defined as those aged 14 to 29. Millennials, on the other hand, are the generation between Gen X and Gen Z. Gen X includes those born between 1965 and 1980, now aged approximately 46 to 61, while millennials were born between 1981 and 1996 and fall within the 30 to 45 age group.