Gallup: Americans Remain Broadly Supportive of Labor Unions

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.gallup.com/poll/112717/Americans-Remain-Broadly-Supportive-Labor-Unions.aspx?version=print

December 1, 2008

Americans Remain Broadly Supportive of Labor Unions
Public divided as to whether their influence should increase, decrease, or stay the same


by Jeffrey M. Jones

PRINCETON, NJ -- Americans remain broadly supportive of labor unions, as they have been over the past seven decades, including a 59% approval rating for unions in Gallup's most recent update from August.



Organized labor unions played an important part in helping Democrat Barack Obama get elected president this year, by providing financial support and manpower for the campaign. Labor leaders now hope that the new administration and Congress will pass legislation favorable to their cause, including steps to make it easier for company workforces to unionize.

Labor unions have also received negative attention lately, with some blaming the financial woes of the Big Three U.S. automotive companies, in part, on generally higher-cost union labor. Leaders of the United Auto Workers have indicated they would be willing to make concessions to the companies to help the Big Three obtain financial assistance from the federal government.

Only about 1 in 10 Americans belong to a labor union, according to Gallup's recent estimates, and about one in six U.S. households include a union member.

While it is not clear to what degree the public's image of labor unions might have changed since the election or in light of the Big Three's financial crisis, Americans have generally held a favorable view of unions for decades -- with no less than 55% of Americans saying they approve of labor unions in Gallup polls conducted from 1936 to 2008.

The public, however, does not have clear preferences as to whether unions should have more, less or the same influence as they have today. The Aug. 7-10 Gallup Poll finds 35% of Americans favoring greater influence for unions in the future, while 32% would rather unions have less influence, and 28% advocate no change in union strength.



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