Labor Unions Are Increasing In Popularity In The U.S.

Back in 2009, this same poll shows the popularity of labor unions had shrunk to less than half of the population (about 48%). This allowed Republicans to continue their effort to weaken unions -- an effort that had tilted the economic playing field so far in favor of corporations that they were gobbling up all the rise in productivity, and sharing none of it with workers (as had been done in earlier decades, when unions were stronger and had more bargaining power).

Fortunately, more Americans are beginning to realize the value of strong labor unions. They are beginning to realize that unions give workers the strength to bargain with corporations -- giving workers a share of the rising production they create. And they are beginning to realize that strong unions push wages up -- not just for union members, but for all workers. Currently 58% of Americans approve of labor unions -- 10 points higher than five years ago.

The numbers shown above are from a recent Gallup Poll -- done between August 5th and 9th of a random national sample of 1,011 adults, with a margin of error of 4 points.