Majority of Americans Back Auto Workers Over Car Manufacturers, Indicates AP-NORC Poll

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The most recent AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll reveals that a significant portion of Americans are in favor of increased compensation for auto workers who have instigated strikes against Detroit’s leading three car producers. However, sentiment regarding the auto workers’ additional demands is somewhat divided.

The survey disclosed that 36% of the respondents side with the workers in their disagreement with the car manufacturers, 9% stand with the car companies, and the remaining individuals are either neutral or support both parties.

The auto workers’ backing does not reach the 55% level of support demonstrated for the striking Hollywood writers and actors in a preceding AP-NORC poll. Nonetheless, the current survey reinforces the narrative of American backing for labor unions in a year marked by Hollywood strikes, a narrowly averted strike by the Teamsters at the United Parcel Service, and the ongoing strike at auto manufacturing plants.

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The new poll highlighted that 51% of respondents believe labor unions benefit U.S. workers, while merely 15% feel they adversely impact the working populace. Roughly a third believe unions are advantageous for the U.S. economy, but 22% hold the opposite view.

An August Gallup survey recorded a 67% approval rate for unions among Americans, a decline from the previous year but a substantial improvement from the 48% recorded in 2009.

Chicago-based fifth-grade teacher and union member, Rachel Collins, voiced her hope that the UAW strike might catalyze a reversal in the declining influence of labor unions and lead to improved wages across the industrial landscape. She lamented the historical under-compensation of labor despite its critical role in the American economy.

Conversely, mechanical engineer Chris Ross from Oviedo, Florida, believes that while the demand for increased pay is justified in light of inflation, auto workers are already relatively well-compensated. He fears that acceding to union demands may inflate operational costs for car companies, impacting their competitiveness against more economical rivals, notably the non-unionized Tesla.

On September 15, the United Auto Workers initiated a strike against Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, representing brands such as Jeep, Dodge, and Ram. The union’s demands encompass substantial wage hikes, a condensed working week, standardized wages for new hires, and restrictions on hiring temporary staff.

The AP-NORC poll indicated that 60% of the respondents believe that a wage increase for the auto workers would be favorable. This sentiment resonates with 80% of Democrats and approximately 50% of Republicans. Partisan divides are evident, with 55% of Democrats favoring the workers over the manufacturers compared to only 22% of Republicans.

Opinions are more ambivalent concerning UAW’s specific demands, such as the proposition for a four-day work week, restrictions on temporary hires, and mandates for union-made electric vehicles and parts.

President Joe Biden has publicly endorsed the UAW, even joining a picket line near Detroit in late September, emphasizing the workers’ entitlement to significant pay hikes.

Public opinion on Biden’s stance in the automotive dispute is divided, with 25% in favor and 34% against. Former President Trump’s approval rating on the issue is lower, with 19% in support and 39% in dissent. When it comes to managing worker-related issues, 35% trust the Democrats more, while 24% place their faith in the Republicans.

Barbara Tubbs, a retired caregiver from Dallas, appreciates Biden’s empathy towards the working class. Conversely, retired teacher Jim Grove from Sharon, Pennsylvania, criticized Biden’s appearance at the picket line, labeling him as an opportunist.

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This survey, conducted from October 5 to 9, 2023, sampled 1,163 adults. The sampling method used was NORC’s AmeriSpeak Panel, structured to represent the U.S. demographic. The margin of error for this poll is approximately 3.9 percentage points.

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More about fokus keyword: auto workers’ strike

• AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research
• Detroit’s Leading Three Car Producers
• United Auto Workers Official Site
• Teamsters’ United Parcel Service Strikes
• Historical Gallup Polls on Union Approval
• Biden’s Public Statements on UAW Strike
• Analysis on Labor Union Trends in the U.S.