As part of acquiring his Bachelor of Arts in Construction Management from the National Labor College, Stan Lesniewicz researched and wrote a paper examining factors which contribute to the decline of union membership, ways membership can be grown and examine the public’s view of unions.

Portions of his paper will be published in installments in the Fox Valley Labor News. This is the third installment.

“The construction industry has been responsive with technological advances in the relationship between management and workers. Construction trade unions have attempted to remain relevant and viable by adapting how they are perceived, as well as how they interact with contractors. The construction industry in the U.S. has undergone tremendous changes throughout the years in its means and methods of how a project is constructed and in the way management and workers interact. These two areas must be managed to ensure delivery of a finished project that promotes quality for the owner, profitability for the contractor, and balances the workers desire for efficiency, equity and voice.

“Included in Lesniewicz’s paper was a survey titled Public Perception of Unions, which was constructed and distributed for the purpose of ascertaining working; union construction trades people’s opinions on the current state of the general public’s perception of unions. A 2011 New York Times article indicated unions are held in a negative light, according to popular opinion. The survey of 10 questions was used to determine if a targeted group of union trades people concur with that sentiment. It also asked participants to offer solutions which may influence a transformation of this attitude toward a more positive public sentiment of unions. The survey was distributed to 47 union members, comprised of 13 trade unions. What follows are excerpts/summaries of that survey:

“Question No. 4 asks participants if their views on unions have changed since they have become union members. The results show 26 answered their views on unions changed after joining. A response indicative of the general sentiment explains: “I used to have a bad perception of unions until I saw how hard and respectfully they work together in the construction field.” The respondents that did not exhibit a change in view were among those coming from a union household or joined the union at a young age and never experienced the transition from non-union to union. They did not have the viewpoint of the respondents that have seen the workplace from both perspectives.

“In response to questions No. 5 and No. 6, (Why do you think unions have a negative perception in the public? and Do you have any suggestions on what needs to be done in order to change negative views of unions in the public?) survey takers overwhelmingly answered there is a negative public perception of unions, with only one response to the contrary. Reasons ranged broadly, although the most often cited cause pointed toward union’s high wages and benefits, with nearly 33 percent indicating so. Some other causes mentioned included “jealousy” and misinformation, indicating: ‘The only press unions ever receive is bad press and there is too much word of mouth rumors spreading unions faults and short comings.’”

“It is clear participants are convinced a negative perception of unions exists in the public’s mind. Opinions on how to remedy the situation varied, including turning an eye inward upon the unions themselves and to respond quickly when attacked in the media. Though the common thread appeared to be to inform the public on the good unions do.

“Replies to question No. 7, (How much do you think the public perceptions of unions have hurt unions over the years?) indicate there is a divergence among survey taker as to whether or not public perception has hurt unions. Nearly 49 percent believing unions have been hurt a little. Just over 44 percent indicated unions have been hurt a lot, and nearly 7 percent signified unions were not hurt much. This is a curious result, as all, save one respondent, felt there is a negative perception of unions among the public.

“Predominate responses to question 10, (What would you tell people — or what things would you focus on — if you were trying to make the case to non-union members regarding why unions are good for America?) directed the public to witness how unions enable members to earn good and livable wages, along with abundant health and retirement benefits.

“One reply suggests to “. . . tell them how much good unions have done for families and how unions built America and gave them many of the laws pertaining to work (such as the 40hr. work week).” Another indicates “union wages buoy the entire labor force’s wages.”

“These responses are interestingly incongruous when juxtaposed against the responses in question No. 5, which indicated the public’s negative perception of unions is caused mainly due to the union’s high wages and benefits. The public believes union workers make too much money and the union survey respondent’s counter to that is to explain higher wages are the main benefit of unions for America. This paradox must be reconciled if the unions are to truly change public opinion.”

Stan Lesniewicz is a second generation Sheet Metal Worker with Local 73. He has been a proud union member for the last 14 years. Lesniewicz decided to go back to school when the economy went bad, attending the National Labor College from 2010 to 2013 where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Construction Management.