Widespread strikes and contract negotiations brought unions to the forefront of the news this summer, coining the term “summer of strikes.” As Labor Day approaches, strike activity remains steady and doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon.
How does the public feel about labor unions and hot strike summer? More than two-thirds of Americans support unions, according to a recent poll from The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organization (AFL-CIO). That number is even higher for people younger than 30, 88% percent saying they support labor unions.
Key findings
Labor union support transcends party lines: About 91% of Democrats, 69% of independents and 52% of Republicans approve of unions, according to the poll.
Americans support better wages and benefits for workers: Three-fourths of Americans support “workers going on strike to negotiate for better wages, benefits, and working conditions” with nearly half saying they strongly support doing so.
Young people support the labor movement: Voters under 30 show wide support for labor unions. 88% percent approve of unions and 90% say they support strikes.
Unions are seen as highly desirable and half of Americans believe having more workers in unions would be beneficial for society: About half of voters say society would be better off with a union compared to just a third (34%) saying it would not be better off.
Voters say unions have a positive impact on workers and on the economy: Over three-quarters believe unions have a positive effect on safety, pay, hours, job security, and benefits for workers.
Unions believed to make problems in the workplace better: Two-thirds of respondents reported experiencing problems in the workplace, with nearly all saying a union would have made the situation better. They reported experiencing a problem within at least one of the following topics: Salary or pay, healthcare or retirement benefits, hours or schedule, workplace culture, workplace safety, or…
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