Support for Unions Grows Among Workers in Texas
- A recent Gallup survey shows that 71% of Americans approve of unions, indicating strong support for organized labor.
- This level of support for unions is the highest recorded since the 1960s.
- Young workers are playing an increasingly significant role in this renewed interest in unionization.
In Richmond, Texas, sheet metal workers Juan and Diego Quintanilla are actively campaigning for union representation, emphasizing the long-term benefits that outweigh the costs of union dues. Their commitment comes amid a notable decline in union membership, which fell from 20% in 1983 to just 10% by 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, recent surveys indicate a resurgence in support for organized labor, with 71% of Americans approving of unions, the highest level since the 1960s. The Quintanilla brothers, particularly Diego, highlight a generational shift in attitudes towards workplace fairness and compensation. With 64.3% approval for unions among Generation Z, young workers are increasingly advocating for equitable pay and better working conditions. Adam Cobb, an associate professor at the University of Texas, attributes this growing support to the concentration of power among large corporations, suggesting that unions serve as a necessary counterbalance to corporate influence. Despite the positive sentiment towards unions, not all workers share the same enthusiasm. Erin Davis Valdez, a former teacher, expresses her disillusionment with unions, citing experiences where they failed to support educators effectively. This perspective, however, does not deter the Quintanilla brothers, who remain steadfast in their belief that union membership is essential for securing fair wages and working conditions. "100% percent, we're all in," Juan affirmed, reflecting the determination of many workers to pursue unionization.