In 2006, only 7.4 percent of private-sector employees were union members.

Like the drug-testing rules, these proposals cover virtually every transportation worker, including private-sector employees like truck drivers, who are subject to Federal licensing regulations.

A few weeks ago, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that, for the first time, more union members are government workers, not private-sector employees.

Foreign companies are joining domestic companies in opposing any approval system that covers private-sector employees.

Local newspapers report that some prominent families are charging thousands of dollars at a time when the average private-sector employee earns only about $1,800 a year.

Public sector unions have come under fire for their substantial lobbying efforts, high pay and high benefits relative to private-sector employees.

Many people in the United States take a jaundiced view of strikes because union members are relatively better off than many private-sector employees.

The definition of "employee" includes private-sector employees, employees of the federal government, as well as elected and appointed officials.

The teachers yesterday were guaranteed their jobs for three more years, a promise that few private-sector employees have been made.

The government has mandated a minimum wage of approximately US$158 per month for private-sector employees.