Public Support for Unions Continues to Surge

WASHINGTON — As we approach Labor Day weekend, a new Gallup poll released today reveals public support for labor unions reaching 64%—a near 50-year high. This positive surge in approval demonstrates how effective unions have been in shifting the conversation and educating working people about the value and benefits of strong unions to their families and communities. It’s no wonder that nearly half of non-unionized workers would join a union if given the opportunity. 

With support for unions on the rise; with presidential candidates embracing unions; and with working people across the country taking collective action in their workplaces, it’s more important than ever that our elected representatives give people more freedom to join unions.

In response to the Gallup Poll, AFSCME President Lee Saunders said, “Despite relentless anti-union attacks from wealthy corporations, more and more people recognize that unions are a force for progress and national strength, improving the lives of all working families and their communities. The labor movement has a powerful wind at its back. And we will carry this momentum into new organizing campaigns and our work in the 2020 elections.”