AFL-CIO–Data for Progress Survey Finds Support for Executive Actions
Today, the AFL-CIO and Data for Progress released a nationwide poll of likely voters that found widespread support for executive actions addressing key issues impacting working people, including employee misclassification, union-busting and federal purchasing power.
“Working people have borne the brunt of this crisis from day one,” said AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. “In order to recover from the failures of the past year, we must take urgent, aggressive action to protect workers’ lives and livelihoods. The American people know that we can’t afford timid half-measures. We are urging President Biden to usher in generational changes that will strengthen the hand of working families and guarantee us a fair share of the enormous value we create every day.”
“This polling highlights clear, widespread support for executive actions the Biden administration can use to improve working conditions, create good-paying union jobs, and promote smart industrial policy here in the United States,” said Data for Progress Executive Director Sean McElwee.
Below are some of the poll’s key findings. Full results are available here.
Q: Would you support or oppose the Department of Labor using its enforcement authority to crack down on platform companies, such as Uber or Instacart, that currently treat their employees as independent contractors? The goal would be to allow these workers to benefit from all the protections and benefits that employees enjoy, such as minimum wage and overtime.
- SUPPORT: 58%
- OPPOSE: 28%
Q: Some people are proposing that President Joe Biden create a White House Office of Purchasing for the Common Good. The mission of this office will be to use federal purchasing power to lift labor standards and compliance, advance industrial policy and Buy American, and advance other progressive contracting reforms, such as increasing clean energy and green purchasing, by coordinating national strategies and driving institutional change within the federal government in this area. Would you support or oppose the creation of this new office?
- SUPPORT: 59%
- OPPOSE: 30%
Q: President Joe Biden has committed to ensuring that “federal dollars do not flow to employers who engage in union-busting activities, participate in wage theft, or violate labor law.” When thinking about this, which statement comes closer to your view, even if neither is exactly right?
- He should follow through on this promise: 69%
- He should not follow through on this promise: 18%
Contact: John Weber (202) 637-5018