Saunders: ‘Gallup poll confirms what we’ve known for a long time: Americans believe in the power of unions to strengthen our economy’

WASHINGTON – AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement in response to Gallup’s annual poll on labor unions:   

“As we prepare to celebrate Labor Day weekend, this year’s Gallup poll confirms what we’ve known for a long time: Americans believe in the power of unions to strengthen our economy and improve the lives of working people. Not only has the overall favorability of unions remained high, but it is increasing across all demographics – especially among the younger generation that will lead the labor movement in the future. According to additional polling from the AFL-CIO, an unprecedented 88% of Americans under 30 approve of unions. 

“There is a rising wave of worker activism nationwide, with AFSCME leading the way. We have continued to organize nonstop. Six thousand workers at museums, libraries, zoos and other cultural institutions have joined AFSCME since 2019. We are negotiating some of our strongest contracts in decades. In Colorado, AFSCME members have been working to organize more than 36,000 county workers who won collective bargaining rights last year. In New Orleans, municipal employees represented by AFSCME won the freedom to negotiate a few months ago.   

“We have also stood in solidarity with workers nationwide – from actors and screenwriters to hotel workers and Starbucks baristas – who are engaged in fights for dignity and respect, even going on strike to get a fair shake on the job.  

 “We will take this momentum with us in our continued work towards ensuring all working people have a secure future.”