White Professionals Are Interested in Unions for Workplace Improvements

White professionals are interested in joining a union to receive better salaries, benefits, and to improve work-life balance. According to the results of a survey of non-union professionals’ attitudes toward unions, white professionals believed pocketbook issues were the most convincing reasons to have a union. A majority of white professionals would support a union that would improve salary and raises.
The Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) sponsored a survey in October 2016 of non-union professionals about their attitudes toward unions. The survey contained 1,004 professional and technical employees, 689 of which were white professionals. Among white professionals surveyed, 60 percent were employed in the private, for-profit sector and just under 40 percent were aged 50 or older. Half of the white professionals surveyed were women. Additionally, the white professionals surveyed almost evenly identified as Democrats and Republicans.
Key findings about white professionals include:
- By the end of the survey, 53 percent of white professionals would support a proposal for a union at their current job.
- Over 60 percent of white professionals thought receiving better salaries and raises was a convincing reason to have a union.
- Just under 60 percent of white professionals thought receiving better benefits was a good reason to join a union.
- For 48 percent of white professionals, improving work-life balance, in addition to paid vacations and paid family and medical leave, was a convincing reason to have a union.
- Almost half of white professionals preferred a union that was effective and puts members first.
Organizers working with white professionals should spend time dispelling myths about unions by explaining due process clauses in union contracts, what dues pay for, and how unions can help improve the relationship between employees and management. Additionally, organizers should focus on educating white professionals about the benefits of joining together in union with their colleagues.
If you are interested in learning more about joining a union, visit DPE’s “Join A Union” webpage.
Complete analysis of the attitudes of white professionals towards unions is available to DPE affiliates. Affiliates can contact jdorning@dpeaflcio.org for the complete analysis. A preview can be viewed here.
