(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - A recent Gallup Poll revealed disapproval of Labor Unions has fallen to 23%, the lowest level in 57 years, while support for unions has reached 70% - just one point below the highest level recorded since 1965.

These statistics suggest a shift in public attitudes toward Organized Labor and it’s important to consider what this means for Workers and their interests. 

This low point in Union disapproval is noteworthy at a time when discussions around Workers' Rights, fair wages and workplace conditions are once again gaining prominence.

The Gallup Poll's findings suggest more Americans, particularly younger Workers, are recognizing the role Unions play in providing them a voice in their workplace to advocate for these issues.

This aligns with other reports that highlight increasing public support for Unions across various sectors, potentially reflecting a broader call for stronger protections for Workers. 

This significant drop in Union disapproval also brings more attention to growing efforts across the Nation to ensure Employees know about and can exercise their Federally protected rights to organize and bargain collectively.

This focus aligns with the principles outlined in Section 2(a) of the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act, the law that the Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) enforces, which affirm that “in the public interest, it continues to be the responsibility of the Federal Government to protect Employees’ rights to organize, choose their own representatives, bargain collectively and otherwise engage in concerted activities for their mutual aid or protection.”

As public disapproval of Unions reaches its lowest point in over half a century, the mechanisms that help ensure these organizations operate transparently and democratically become even more crucial.

This is where OLMS plays a key role - maintaining the integrity and promote transparency of Labor Unions by helping safeguard Union finances and protecting Union Democracy, which gives the public confidence Unions fulfill their vital mission for Workers. 

To Continue Reading This Labor News Report, Go To: Public confidence in unions soars | U.S. Department of Labor Blog

Editor’s Note: Andrew Hasty is the Acting Chief of the Division of Interpretations and Regulations with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards.