Unions Ensure Fair Treatment

While favorability ratings for labor unions remain at a low — 45% of Americans express a favorable view — a majority of the public says unions protect workers rather than provide them unfair advantages. Asked which statement comes closer to their views, 55% say union agreements ensure fair treatment of union workers, while just 34% say such agreements give union workers unfair advantages. Two-thirds of Democrats (67%) say unions protect workers, while 25% say they give union workers unfair advantages. Independents, by a 55%-to-34% margin, also side with unions as a protector of fair treatment Republicans, however, say agreements give union workers unfair advantages by a 48%-to-42% margin. While majorities of whites (52%) and Hispanics (53%) say unions protect workers, blacks are especially supportive of unions — 75% say unions ensure fair treatment while just 19% say union workers gain an unfair advantage. Americans with less income are more likely to say unions protect workers, while those with more than $75,000 in family income split — 47% say unions ensure fair treatment, 45% say they give workers unfair advantages. Read More