CONTACT: Wayne Ranick (412) 562-2444, wranick@usw.org
(Pittsburgh) --The following statement was issued today by United Steelworkers (USW) International President Leo W. Gerard following a Gallup poll showing that labor unions have an approval rating of 61 percent, the highest since 2003.
The resurgence of labor union popularity is good news. With a Gallup Poll showing the approval rate for organized labor at 61 percent, unions are much more popular than Congress. This may be because unions get things done.
They increase wages for all workers – union and non-union alike. They work to create safer workplaces. They've campaigned against efforts to suppress voting. And union members in Texas, including members of the United Steelworkers, are actively rescuing flood victims and raising money for restoration of impacted communities.
“It is gratifying to see that the popularity of unions has risen 13 points since 2009, particularly when wealthy, right-wing groups like ALEC and the State Policy Network are working every day to crush unions. The USW, the AFL-CIO and all of its member unions will continue working to end income inequality and improve the lives of all workers by ensuring they receive a fair share of the bounty created by their labor."
The USW represents 850,000 workers in North America employed in many industries that include metals, rubber, chemicals, paper, oil refining and the service and public sectors. For more information: http://www.usw.org/.
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