Unions strategically use shareholder proposals to benefit workers, not shareholders.
Shareholder proposals are often withdrawn by unions, especially in firms with poor performance and independent boards. Unions tend to resubmit proposals with high shareholder support from the previous year, but many are withdrawn before annual meetings. These withdrawn proposals are usually not brought up again, suggesting that the issues have been resolved. Unions strategically use shareholder proposals to benefit union workers, even if it may not always align with shareholder interests.