American labor union membership is shrinking, along with their popularity: Just 37% of Americans approve of unions, and 32% disapprove. But a majority of respondents in the latest Economist/YouGov Poll support collective bargaining for public employees, although many would limit bargaining issues.
Most Democrats approve of labor unions (and unions have supported Democratic politicians for many years). But 60% of Republicans do not. This issue of collective bargaining by public sector unions has been the focus of recent (and possible future) recall elections in Wisconsin, following Republican Governor Scott Walker’s successful legislative push last spring to ban nearly all collective bargaining by public workers.
National opinion now is similar to national opinion then.
Economist/YouGov poll archives can found here.
Photo source: Press Association
