For many Americans, supporting workers doesn’t automatically mean supporting unions.
New polling from Public Opinion Strategies shows that while unions may enjoy abstract favorability, specific union-backed proposals face strong public skepticism. Voters consistently favor individual worker freedom and greater informed choice.
Based on a survey of 1,000 registered voters, the findings offer insights for shaping labor policy and how lawmakers can champion and adopt a pro-worker stance without embracing the agenda of Washington-based union leaders.
Opposition to Rushed Unionization and Contracts Imposed without a Ratification Vote
American voters strongly support giving workers time and clarity when deciding whether to unionize. Yet a proposal under consideration in Congress would shorten the decision window and, in some cases, allow the federal government to impose union contracts without a vote. These provisions conflict with what voters say they want: informed choices and worker-approved outcomes.
90%
Oppose government-mandated union contracts without worker approval.
86%
Agree workers should have ample time to understand how unionization could affect their jobs.
78%
Believe a 20-day union campaign period is too short for workers to make informed decisions.
Support for Informed Choice, Consent, Time to Decide, and Majority Rule
Data shows voters strongly back policies that empower individual workers and provide clear information:
82%
Say union staffers should disclose their affiliation if they seek a job for the purposes of unionizing co-workers (so-called “salting”).
85%
Support requiring unions to provide clearer financial disclosures on how dues are spent.
67%
Agree political leaders can support workers without aligning with unions—giving policymakers room to advocate for workers without endorsing union leaders and their agenda.
These results reveal a consistent theme: voters want to support workers, not the agenda of union leaders.
A Clear Mandate: Freedom from Union Control
Beyond clear, upfront information, voters want reforms that give workers more say in their representation:
66%
Believe Congress should make it easier to remove unwanted union representation.
60%
Say unions should only represent a workplace if they win a majority of all workers—not just those who vote.
The Bottom Line
The data paints a clear picture: Americans support a pro-worker agenda built on choice, transparency, and freedom—not one that benefits union leadership, rushes important processes, or impedes on consent.
For lawmakers, the takeaway is simple. The best way to support workers is to empower them directly—not hand control to union bosses.
Download the Public Opinion Strategies 2025 National Survey on Unions
Spencer oversees the Chamber’s work on immigration, retirement security, traditional labor relations, human trafficking, wage hour and worker safety issues, EEOC matters, and state labor and employment law.