I work at a public institution. This is coming off an $8/hr raise for our starting staff in 2021. In 2021, our professional staff (evaluators, counselors, managers, etc) were making a measly $14/hr. For reference, the local Taco Bell was offering $20/hr for managers.
Our union got gutted by right-to-work in 2016, and gutted again by COVID in 2019 when employees left. It's still not what it once was, but it's amazing what they've been able to do for us. They're expanding our benefits and addressing lackluster longevity pay. They helped draft a letter to send to our governor regarding our deplorable maternity/paternity leave state policy.
Unions work. Collective bargaining works. If you have one, support your union–they're truly the only people who have your back in the workplace.