Labor union disapproval hits 57-year low
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
The share of Americans who say they disapprove of labor unions hasn't been this low since September 1967, per new Gallup data.
Why it matters: Unions have seen a resurgence in recent years, with an uptick in strikes and organizing efforts, helped along by more positive public sentiment and, until recently, a strong labor market that emboldens workers to push for more from their employers.
By the numbers: 70% of Americans said they approved of unions, per Gallup's most recent poll, conducted in August.
- That's just one point shy of the record hit in 2022 — also a 57-year high.
The big picture: The labor renaissance doesn't mean a union renaissance. The overall share of workers who are union members is just 10%, a record low.
Zoom out: Unions' rising popularity helps explain why even Republicans are warming to labor.
- Teamsters president Sean O'Brien got a relatively warm reception at the Republican National Convention last month.
