EARTW I a V/chm co'WsuI'tancy STRATEGIFS Forced Funding Values and Message Testing October 27, 2017 Prepared for UNDERSTAND Background and Objectives State Policy Network is involved in an effort to end the practice of union dues skimming, where unions automatically take a piece of Medicaid money sent to low-income elderly and disabled individuals. This is one example of a series of “forced funding” schemes that exist throughout multiple levels of government. Specifically, this research is designed to: Provide data needed to craft messaging to inform the public and policy makers about forced funding policies and appropriate ways to curtail it Identify the best words and phrases to use on the issue of forced funding Pg. 2 Methodology Pg. 3 MODE Online Survey LENGTH 25 minutes DATES October 5 – 13, 2017 AUDIENCE n=1,365, general population with quotas for region, age by gender and ethnicity GEOGRAPHY National, including oversamples in Texas, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania EXECUTIVE SU MARY Executive Summary - Key Messaging Takeaways Do not attack unions generally – they are seen positively by Americans. Instead attack the lack of choice that exists in the current system. Positive impressions of unions rely on the idea that these organizations raise the quality of life for workers. Undercutting this message vastly decreases the image of unions. Strong message themes include freedom of choice, fairness and a lack of pressure/coercion. Pg. 5 Executive Summary – General Impression of Unions Pg. 6 Americans generally have a favorable impression of unions and believe they can be a force for good. Most describe unions as fighting for higher wages and better benefits, with minorities associating them with negative descriptors like corrupt, harmful, and dangerous. However, most Americans also strongly value being able to make an individual choice about joining a union – 70% support right-to-work laws and 82% believe there is no appropriate situation for the government to help collect union dues. Executive Summary – Union Values Unions provide some benefits that ladder up to a higher quality of life, feeling protected, peace of mind and security. Concerns about unions largely stem from a lack of fairness and coercion in the current system. Pg. 7 Executive Summary – Government Labor Unions There is limited familiarity regarding the differences between government and private labor unions. Few have heard anything about government unions lately, but those who have are more likely to say what they heard was negative. Pg. 8 Executive Summary – Dues Skimming Over half of Americans oppose dues skimming for both Medicaid and child care. Two-thirds find current opt-out procedures unfair. Half of Americans have no existing knowledge of these policies. Three-quarters of Americans support the proposed federal fix to dues skimming. Pg. 9 Dues skimming is so unpopular that educating people about this policy drastically reduces favorability and support of unions overall (see next slide), even among pro-union groups (see slide 73). Pre/Post Measures Pg. 10 Measure Pre Post Change Believe Unions Create “More Good than Harm” 47% 34% -13 Government Labor Union Favorability 56.8 48.9 -11 Believe Union Leadership is Accountable to Members and Looks Out for Their Interest 70% 60% -10 Support for Government Labor Unions 43% 34% -9 Believe Union Members Get Good Value From Dues 64% 55% -9 Private Labor Unions 56.7 52.0 -7 DETAILED FINDINGS Pg.11 While government labor unions have low influence, government accountability is highly important to Americans, highlighting a possible way to frame messages about unions and dues skimming. Influential Motivators of Political Participation Very influential 38% Health care Economy and jobs 42% Government accountability 42% 83% 35% 77% 32% 39% Tax reform 39% 23% Education 39% 24% Family and culture 38% Government labor unions 71% 63% 63% 22% 22% 39% 25% 74% 32% 33% Foreign relations Very/Most Influential 44% Social Security Immigration Pg. 12 One of the most influential 15% 8% 60% 55% 54% 33% BASE: SPLIT SAMPLE (Base Varies) Q200. There are many things that motivate people to be politically active in how they vote on issues and candidates. Thinking about the following issues, how influential is each issue to you personally in motivating you and your political participation? There is limited familiarity with the differences between government unions and private industry labor unions. Among those who are aware of differences, most feel there is a good deal of difference. Differences Between Government and Private Industry Labor Unions Familiar (Net) Just a little/Not Very Familiar (Net) Very familiar 17% Somewhat familiar Just a little familiar Not at all familiar Familiarity higher among Postgraduates (54%), Ages 25-34 (54%), Ages 3544 (55%) Pg. 13 41% 59% 70% 30% Completely/Good Deal Different (Net) Little/Not Different (Net) 14% 24% 55% 25% Completely different A good deal difference A little difference No difference 34% 26% 4% Familiarity with Differences Between Government Unions and Private Industry Labor Unions Difference Between Government Labor Unions and Private Industry Labor Unions BASE: ALL RESPONDENTS (n=1365) Q201. How familiar are you with the differences between government unions and private industry labor unions? BASE: FAMILIAR WITH UNION DIFFERENCES (n=901) Q202. In general, how much of a difference do you feel there is between government labor unions and private industry labor unions? The best descriptors of labor unions are positive and based on fighting for higher wages, fighting for better benefits and protects workers. Political and looks out for themselves are key vulnerabilities to work into messaging. Descriptors of Labor Unions Describes somewhat Fights for higher wages 38% 44% Fights for better benefits 39% 41% Protects workers 40% 36% Political Look out for themselves Supportive Beneficial Expensive Pg. 14 Describes completely Fair 38% 35% 42% 38% 82% 80% 76% 72% 35% 33% 68% 25% 38% 35% Describes Completely/Somewhat 67% 24% 20% 14% 62% 56% 52% BASE: SPLIT SAMPLE (Base Varies) Q203. There are lots of different ways to describe labor unions. For each of the following words or phrases please indicate how well you believe it describes most labor unions. Please note: Red text denotes negative descriptors On average, there are less intense connections with many of the negative descriptors of labor unions despite a majority believe unions are political and looking out for themselves. Descriptors of Labor Unions Describes somewhat 35% Coercive Forced membership 16% 27% 30% 16% Honest 31% 14% Greedy 25% 20% Outdated for today’s jobs 26% 17% Harmful Dangerous 24% 22% 19% 15% 8% 8% Describes Completely/Somewhat 51% 22% Forced Corrupt Pg. 15 Describes completely 49% 46% 44% 44% 43% 39% 31% 27% BASE: SPLIT SAMPLE (Base Varies) Q203. There are lots of different ways to describe labor unions. For each of the following words or phrases please indicate how well you believe it describes most labor unions. Please note: Red text denotes negative descriptors Less than one in four have heard, read, or seen anything relating to government labor unions recently. Information that was encountered had a slight negative skew. Heard, Read, Seen Anything Related to Government Labor Unions Have you heard, read, or seen anything? Yes No 16% Did what you hear, read, or see make you feel…? 23% Not sure 40% More likely to have heard, read, seen something: Ages 18-24 (37%), Post-graduate (35%) 26% 34% 61% Negative Neither positive nor negative Pg. 16 BASE: AL RESPONDENTS (n=1365) Q204. Have you heard, read, or seen anything related to government labor unions? BASE: HAVE HEARD ABOUT GOVERNMENT LABOR UNIONS (n=338) Q207. Does what you have heard, read, or seen about public government labor unions make you feel positive or negative in your opinion? Positive Mentions of educators/teachers, strikes/demonstrations, and political strife/involvement were most commonly mentioned and most often encountered on TV/on the news. Information and Sources about Government Labor Unions What have you heard, read, or seen? Where did you hear, read or see it? (Top 3 Codes Shown) 32% TV/On the news Online/The Internet 20% Newspaper/Magazine 19% Pg. 17 BASE: HAVE HEARD ABOUT GOVERNMENT LABOR UNIONS (n=338) Q205. Please describe what you have heard, read, or seen related to public government labor unions. Q206. Where did you hear, read, or see this information? Favorability scores toward labor unions are neutral regardless of whether it is associated with government or the private sector. Favorability Toward Government and Private Labor Unions 100 Average Favorability Score FAVORABLE 71-100 (Net) 38% 80 60 56.8 40 Pg. 18 56.7 UNFAVORABLE 1-30 (Net) 22% 20 0 NEUTRAL 31-70 (Net) 40% FAVORABLE 71-100 (Net) 37% Gov’t NEUTRAL 31-70 (Net) 41% UNFAVORABLE 1-30 (Net) 22% Private BASE: ALL RESPONDENTS (n=1365) Q210. Please indicate how favorable you are toward government labor unions (public school teachers, firefighters, and police officers), using a scale of 1 to 100 where I means you have “extremely cold or negative feelings” toward public employee unions and 100 means you have “extremely warm or positive feelings” toward public employee unions. You can use any number from 1 to 100. BASE: ALL RESPONDENTS (n=1365) Q211. Please indicate how favorable you are toward private industry labor unions (auto workers, plumbers, electricians), using a scale of 1 to 100 where I means you have “extremely cold or negative feelings” toward private industry labor unions and 100 means you have “extremely warm or positive feelings” toward private industry labor unions. You can use any number from 1 to 100. On balance, there is more support than opposition for government labor unions and they are seen as doing more good than harm. However there are large groups of neutral Americans who can be moved on the issue. Views on Government Labor Unions Support (Net) Oppose (Net) Strongly support Somewhat support Neither support nor oppose Pg. 19 43% 19% 16% 27% 47% 21% Good (Net) Harm (Net) 18% 30% Much more good than harm Somewhat more good than harm Equal amount of harm and good Somewhat oppose 38% 31% Strongly oppose 10% 8% 15% 7% Support for Government Labor Unions BASE: ALL RESPONDENTS (n=1365) Q215. Generally speaking, do you support or oppose government labor unions? Q220. Overall, do you think labor unions generally do more harm or more good? Labor Unions Do More Harm/Good Somewhat more harm than good Much more harm than good Large numbers of all demographic subgroups “neither support nor oppose” government labor unions. Core Forgotten American Worker (40%)* Republicans (34%)* Economic Conservatives (32%)* Social Conservatives (32%)* Ages 65+ (31%) Swing Independents (23%) Ages 45-54 (23%) Mountain Region (22%) White (24%) Economic Moderates (16%) Ages 55-64 (24%) Non-Union Sympathetic Household (19%) East North Central (24%) West South Central (16%) Social Moderates (17%) South Atlantic (21%) Non-Union Households (21%) Groups ranked based on net opposition (% oppose - % support). Percent shown is percent who oppose government labor unions. Pg. 20 *More oppose than support Anti Male (23%) Post-Graduate Degree (24%) Some College (18%) College Graduate (20%) HS or Less (14%) Female (14%) Middle Atlantic (20%) East South Central (16%) West North Central (18%) Pacific (14%) New England (9%) Ages 35-44 (12%) Union Sympathetic Household (18%) Asian (12%) Hispanic (12%) Ages 18-24 (10%) Ages 25-34 (8%) African-Americans (5%) Social Liberals (7%) Democrats (6%) Economic Liberals (7%) Union Households (7%) Average dues are more than what respondents would consider fair, but less than what would be considered unfair. Annual Dues Charged by Labor Unions Fair Dues Average Dues Unfair Dues ✗ Average $606 $1,151 $1,647 Pg. 21 BASE: ALL RESPONDENTS (n=1365) Q230. As you probably know, labor unions collect dues from all of their members. How much do you think unions, on average, charge their members for dues on an annual basis? Q231. As you probably know, labor unions collect dues from all of their members. How much do you think is fair for unions to charge their member for dues on an annual basis? Q232. At what point would you consider the annual amount that labor unions charge their members for dues to be too high or unfair? Two-thirds of Americans believe anything over $500 a year for union dues is unfair. Perceptions of Union Dues Fair and Unfair Annual Dues Amounts 100 Cumulative % of Respondents Cumulative % of Respondents Believed Average Annual Dues Amount 80 60 40 20 0 $0 $500 $1,000 $1,500 $2,000 Average Annual Dues Amount $2,500 $3,000 100 80 60 40 20 0 $0 $100 $200 $300 $400 $500 Fair Annual Dues Amount Unfair Annual Dues Amount Pg. 22 BASE: ALL RESPONDENTS (n=1365) Q230. As you probably know, labor unions collect dues from all of their members. How much do you think unions, on average, charge their members for dues on an annual basis? Q231. As you probably know, labor unions collect dues from all of their members. How much do you think is fair for unions to charge their member for dues on an annual basis? Q232. At what point would you consider the annual amount that labor unions charge their members for dues to be too high or unfair? There is strong support for Right-to-Work laws. “ Support for Right-to-Work Laws Twenty-eight states have laws known as “right-to-work” laws. Under these laws, employees in unionized workplaces cannot be forced to join a union or to pay for any part of the cost of union representation. Workers have complete choice in joining or financially supporting the union. “ Pg. 23 Support is higher among: Ages 18-24 (84%), Republicans (78%), South Atlantic (76%) BASE: ALL RESPONDENTS (n=1365) Q225. Based on this description, do you support or oppose these types of laws? Support (Net) Oppose (Net) 70% 11% 6:1 Support Strongly support Somewhat support Neither support nor oppose Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose 47% 24% 19% 6% 4% Support for “Right-to-Work” Laws The majority of Americans feel that it is inappropriate for government to help unions collect dues from public employee members and gets more agreement phrased as a negative. Views on Collecting Dues From Public Employee Members Agree (Net) Disagree (Net) 82% 18% 5:1 Agree 35% 65% Agree (Net) Disagree (Net) 11% Strongly agree 43% 24% Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree 39% Strongly disagree 14% 5% Pg. 24 Never Appropriate for Gov’t to Help Unions Collect Dues from Public Employee Members BASE: SPLIT HALF (n=680) Q235A. How much do you agree or disagree with the following statement? BASE: SPLIT HALF (n=685) Q235B. How much do you agree or disagree with the following statement? 38% 28% Always Appropriate for Gov’t to Help Unions Collect Dues from Public Employee Members Most agree that union members get the value they deserve from membership dues and that union leadership is accountable to members. Value of Dues and Accountability of Leadership Agree (Net) Disagree (Net) Strongly agree Somewhat agree 64% 36% 70% 30% 18% 25% 45% 45% Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree 27% 20% 9% 10% Union members get the value they deserve from their union membership dues Pg. 25 BASE: ALL RESPONDENTS (n=1365) Q228. How much do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Q229. How much do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Disagreement higher on both statements among: Ages 65+, Forgotten American Worker, Republicans Union leadership is accountable to its members and looks out for their best interests VALUES LADDERING UNDERSTAND The strongest benefits associated with labor unions relate to safety and better working conditions. Importance of Potential Labor Union Benefits Very Important Physical safety in the workplace Better working conditions Absolutely Essential 30% Essential/Very Important 49% 38% 41% Most Important* 79% 15% 79% 9% Promotes better healthcare benefits 33% 40% 73% 4% Job security 33% 40% 73% 13% Pension benefits 33% 39% Protect jobs/prevent layoffs 33% 38% 71% Advocates for workers 38% 34% Higher wages 39% 32% Worker equality Collective bargaining Pg. 27 71% Seniority system 32% 34% 29% 71% 71% 37% 69% 27% 26% 61% 55% 8% 11% 9% 10% 6% 10% 4% *Please note: Information comes from Q302 BASE: SPLIT A (n=672) Q300. There are different benefits connected with labor unions. Thinking about your own personal situation and experiences, for each of the following, please rate how important each potential benefit is to you sing the five response options: The biggest concerns relate to corruption and using member dues for politics or lobbying. Concern Around Potential Labor Union Drawbacks Very concerning Corruption in leadership Most of the dues go to politics or lobbying High cost of dues/initiation fees for members Workers are forced to be members of unions 23% 27% 30% Don’t represent their workers very well 28% 28% Loss of worker autonomy Less opportunity to work directly with mgmt 27% 25% 62% 35% Pressure to join union 25% 64% 33% 25% Threat to strike or disrupt work getting done 67% 39% 29% 26% Extremely/Very Concerning 44% 26% Favor seniority of workers over productivity Pg. 21 Extremely concerning 60% 57% 55% 28% 24% 20% 19% 54% 49% 47% 44% Most Concerning* 25% 15% 12% 12% 8% 8% 8% 7% 4% 2% *Please note: Information comes from Q352 BASE: SPLIT B (n=693) Q350. There are different concerns or drawbacks connected with labor unions. Thinking about your own personal situation and experiences, for each of the following, please rate how concerning each potential drawback is to you using the five response options: The Strategic Hinge of Individual Values There is a personally relevant connection to the policy… Persuade By Reason, Motivate By Emotion Pg. 29 Connect emotionally by tapping into personal values The Values Framework… The Path to Effective Communications Emotional Level How we connect with voters’ feelings and personal experiences to elicit emotional responses aligned with their core personal values, needs, and wants. Individual Values (Stable, enduring personal goals) Emotional Benefits & Consequences (Emotional or social consequences derived from the functional consequences) Rational Benefits & Consequences (Functional consequences derived from attributes) Attributes (Tangible features/attributes) Pg. 30 Rational Level What policies matter most to voters. Union Benefit Ladder - Primary PEACE OF MIND 19% HIGHER QUALITY OF LIFE 25% FEEL PROTECTED 37% SENSE OF FAIRNESS 10% Value Psychosocial Consequences Consequences Attributes FINANCIAL SECURITY 22% FEEL LESS STRESS 11% BALANCES POWER 10% HIGHER WAGES 10% FEEL SUPPORTED 18% WORKERS HAVE SAFE WORKSPACES 14% BETTER WORKING CONDITIONS 9% WORKERS ARE TREATED FAIRLY 11% PHYSICAL SAFETY 15% KEEPS WORKERS FROM BEING TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF 11% COLLECTIVE BARGAINING 10% PERSONAL SECURITY 14% KNOW WORKERS CAN TAKE CARE OF SELF/FAMILY 22% PROTECT WORKERS’ RIGHTS 12% JOB SECURITY 13% ADVOCATES FOR WORKERS 9% PROTECT JOBS/PREVENT LAYOFFS 11% 24% Union Benefit Ladder - Secondary PEACE OF MIND 19% HIGHER QUALITY OF LIFE 25% FEEL PROTECTED 37% SENSE OF FAIRNESS 10% Value Psychosocial Consequences Consequences Attributes FINANCIAL SECURITY 22% FEEL LESS STRESS 11% BALANCES POWER 10% HIGHER WAGES 10% FEEL SUPPORTED 18% WORKERS HAVE SAFE WORKSPACES 14% BETTER WORKING CONDITIONS 9% WORKERS ARE TREATED FAIRLY 11% PHYSICAL SAFETY 15% KEEPS WORKERS FROM BEING TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF 11% COLLECTIVE BARGAINING 10% PERSONAL SECURITY 14% KNOW WORKERS CAN TAKE CARE OF SELF/FAMILY 22% PROTECT WORKERS’ RIGHTS 12% JOB SECURITY 13% ADVOCATES FOR WORKERS 9% PROTECT JOBS/PREVENT LAYOFFS 11% 24% Union Benefit Ladder - Primary The primary benefit of unions is that they protect jobs which gives people financial security and peace of mind. Value Psychosocial Consequence Financial security Peace of mind Higher quality of life Feel protected Functional Consequence Attribute Keeps workers from being taken advantage of Know workers can take care of self/family Job security Protect jobs/prevent layoffs Pg. 33 Union Benefit Ladder - Secondary Unions are seen as a strong force for creating good working conditions and physically safe workspaces which gives people a sense of personal security. Value Psychosocial Consequence Personal Security Higher quality of life Feel protected Functional Consequence Workers have safe workspaces Workers are treated fairly Attribute Better working conditions Physical safety Pg. 34 Union Concern Ladder - Primary Psychosocial Consequences Value LACK OF FAIRNESS 26% Attributes Consequences LESS TRUST 31% POWERLESSNESS 21% LACK OF CONTROL 17% FEEL USED 18% WORKERS FORCED TO SUPPORT SOMETHING THEY DO NOT AGREE WITH 29% FEEL HELPLESS 18% WASTES MONEY 17% LACK OF CHOICE 11% DO NOT REPRESENT WORKERS WELL 8% CORRUPTION IN LEADERSHIP 25% MOST DUES GO TO POLITICS 15% HIGH COST OF DUES AND FEES 12% WORKERS FORCED TO BE MEMBER 12% 20% PRESSURE TO JOIN 8% WORKERS ARE TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF 18% FAVOR SENIORITY OVER PRODUCTIVITY 8% Union Concern Ladder - Secondary Psychosocial Consequences Value LACK OF FAIRNESS 26% Attributes Consequences LESS TRUST 31% POWERLESSNESS 21% LACK OF CONTROL 17% FEEL USED 18% WORKERS FORCED TO SUPPORT SOMETHING THEY DO NOT AGREE WITH 29% FEEL HELPLESS 18% WASTES MONEY 17% LACK OF CHOICE 11% DO NOT REPRESENT WORKERS WELL 8% CORRUPTION IN LEADERSHIP 25% MOST DUES GO TO POLITICS 15% HIGH COST OF DUES AND FEES 12% WORKERS FORCED TO BE MEMBER 12% 20% PRESSURE TO JOIN 8% WORKERS ARE TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF 18% FAVOR SENIORITY OVER PRODUCTIVITY 8% Union Concern Ladder - Primary Corruption and unions not representing workers erodes trust and makes union seem unfair. Value Lack of fairness Psychosocial Consequence Less trust Functional Consequence Workers forced to support something they do not agree with Attribute Corruption in leadership Most dues go to politics Do not represent workers Pg. 37 Union Concern Ladder - Secondary Workers feel like they are being used and have no power when they are forced or pressured to support unions. Value Psychosocial Consequence Feel used Feel helpless Functional Consequence Workers are taken advantage of Lack of choice Attribute Workers forced to be member Pressure to join Pg. 38 Powerlessness Terms of labor unions are generally not seen as positive. The most negative way of referring to these groups is government labor unions. Reaction to Words and Phrases Positive Equity Positive - Negative) -100% to +100% Union Labor unions Public employee labor unions Private sector labor unions Public sector labor unions Government labor unions Pg. 40 BASE: SPLIT SAMPLE (Base Varies) 0400. There are lots of different words and phrases that are used when talking about labor unions. For each of the following words or phrases please indicate whether you have a positive, negative, or neutral feeling. Even before details of dues skimming are shared, Americans are highly negative to this phrase. Reaction to Words and Phrases Positive Equity TOTAL TOTAL Positive - Negative) 400% to +100% _15% Taking resources away from Government funding labor unions needy individuals ?54% Government funding private organizations -21 Robbing Medicaid recipients _55% Unions engaged in political spending and lobbying -34% Robbing healthcare workers -57% SlU5h Fund 4% - Duping the American Worker '58% Exploiting loopholes Robbing the vulnerable 58% Forced funding -50% Dues skimming -59% Crony Unionship ?50% Robbing care givers -62% Robbingfamiiycare givers -62% Using union dues for _53% political purposes BASE: SPLIT SAMPLE (Base Varies) 0400? There are lots of different words and phrases that are used when talking about labor unions. For each of the following words or phrases please indicate whether you have a positive, negative, or neutral feeling. I ll Robbing the sick ?65% Phrases that imply loss of freedom through the use of the word forced also score low. Scores are lower when used in phrases that suggest supporting or joining a union (as opposed to just paying them). Reaction to Words and Phrases Positive Equity Positive - Negative) 400% to +100% TOTAL Forced to pay a union 50% Pressured to pay a union _54% Pressured to join a union -57% Forced to join a union -57% Forced to support a union _57% Forced to financially support a union _57% Pg. 42 BASE: SPLIT SAMPLE ONE-QUARTER (Base Varies) 0400? There are lots of different words and phrases that are used when talking about labor unions? For each of the following words or phrases please indicate whether you have a positive, negative, or neutral feeling. Conversely, when mentioning freedom scores flip and are positive. Reaction to Words and Phrases Positive Equity Positive - Negative) 400% to +100% TOTAL 64% Freedom of choice Workplace freedom 54% Fair to workers 53% Worker choice 53% Worker freedom 49% Right-to-work 47% Choice to join a labor union 46% Unions accountable to members 45% Pg. 43 BASE: SPLIT SAMPLE ONE-HALF (Base Varies) 0400. There are lots of different words and phrases that are used when talking about labor unions For each of the following words or phrases please indicate whether you have a positive, negative, or neutral feeling. Many traditionally sympathetic groups like needy families test in the neutral range without greater context. Reaction to Words and Phrases Positive Equity Positive - Negative) 400% to +100% TOTAL Workers 55% Employees 52% Public employees Program integrity 38% Private employees 27% Disabled Americans Medicaid recipients 21% Government employees - 15% Needy families Neediest Americans Pg. 44 ii BASE: SPLIT SAMPLE (Base Varies) 0400. There are lots of different words and phrases that are used when talking about labor unions. For each of the following words or phrases please indicate whether you have a positive, negative, or neutral feeling. Slush fund is a strongly negative phrase, even more so than government funding ofprivate organizations. Reaction to Words and Phrases Positive Equity Positive - Negative) -100% to +100% TOTAL Low-income families 0% Low-income elderly _1 Americans Low-income children Vulnerable Americans -1 0% BASE: SPLIT SAMPLE (Base Varies) 0400. There are lots of different words and phrases that are used when talking about labor unions. For each of the following words or phrases please indicate whether you have a positive, negative, or neutral feeling. GENERAL MESSAGE TESTING UNDERSTAND Pg. 46 Statements that reflect freedom choice, representation transparency are the most effective. Choice Messages I Somewhat Agree I Strongly Agree Strongly/Somewhat Agree Workers deserve to have a choice and a voice when it comes to 68W 947 union representation 0 Politically active unions should be transparent with their members about their political activities and provide members the option to 61% 93% vote on issues that they politically engage in Workers deserve the freedom to choose whether or not they want 600/ 89? to pay a union 0 Workers should be able to decide for themselves if payment of union dues is a good use of their hard-earned money, or if their 89% money is better spent elsewhere No worker should be forced to accept unwanted representation from a union, and the union should not have to provide 87% representation to workers not paying them BASE: SPLIT SAMPLE (Base Varies) 0500. The following is a list of statements. For each one, please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree. Freeing workers from engaging with unions as a "condition of employment" tests well. Choice Messages I Somewhat Agree I Strongly Agree Strongly/Somewhat Agree No worker should be pressured to pay union fees as a condition 610 877 of employment 0 No worker should be forced to pay union fees as a condition of employment 86% Unions should only engage in political activity that is directed by the workers. Othen/vise. Their political donations may serve only 42% 85% union leadership's personal interests. The fact that a salary is paid from tax dollars should not change a worker?s right to join a union, bargain for an increase in wages, or 39% 84% an increase in vacation Because gov?t workers are paid with tax dollars, it is critical that government workers have the choice whether or not to join or financially support a union. OthenNise, the gov?t, not the worker, is choosing to fund unions and their political activity 84% Pg. 48 BASE: SPLIT SAMPLE (Base Varies) 0500. The following is a list of statements. For each one, please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree. Messages about government unions being the same as funding unions directly score lower than other messages about worker choice. Choice Messages I Somewhat Agree I Strongly Agree Strongly/Somewhat Agree It is never appropriate for the government to help unions collect 47% 80% dues from their public employee members When government organizations pressure their workers to support unions with their paychecks it?s the same as if the government was 34% 75% funding the union directly When government organizations pressure their workers to support unions with their paychecks it?s the same as if the taxpayers were 32% 75% funding the union directly Unions are politically active on behalf of their members it?s a service so members don't have to spend their time and energy 22% 69% following and advocating for laws that are best for them BASE: SPLIT SAMPLE (Base Varies) 0500. The following is a list of statements. For each one, please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree. About two?thirds believe that labor unions should exist to fight for all workers, even those who do not pay. Views on Labor Union a Representation Miller believes that labor unions exist to fight for all workers and should be bargaining for better conditions for all workers, even those who have chosen not to join Smith believes workers should have to represent themselves if they choose not to join a labor union that exists at their job BASE: ALL RESPONDENTS (n=1365) 0515. Different people see issues in different ways. Which of the following do you feel best describes your own feeling? A plurality feel that no union, public or private, should be allowed to support political candidates with dues; just one-in-five believe public unions should be able to engage in politics with dues money. Views on Public Sector Unions and Political Candidate Support Wilson believes public sector unions should not be engaged in supporting candidates with union dues because they may later bargain with those elected officials over wages and benefits, creating a conflict of interest. Johnson believes public sector unions are like any other unions and that union should be allowed to support political candidates with union dues. Davis believes public sector unions are like any other unions and should be allowed to support candidates as they choose with union dues. 34% lift lif BASE: ALL RESPONDENTS (n=1365) 0520. Different people see issues in different ways. Which of the following do you feel best describes your own feeling? DUES SKIMMING UNDERSTAND People are mixed about the government funding private organizations, with a sizeable number unsure. Support for Funding Laws Support (Net) 38% Oppose (Net) 32% Sometimes the federal government provides Strongly support taxpayer funds to private organizations. This can be done by awarding contracts to provide services to the government, providing grants to run speci?c programs, or redirecting fines or penalties. Somewhat support I Neither support nor These funds can end up supporting favored causes oppose and advancing political agendas. For example, over the years, there have been laws passed requiring government funding of both Planned Parenthood and Crisis Pregnancy Centers. I Strongly oppose Somewhat oppose Total BASE: ALL RESPONDENTS (n=1365) 0700. In general, do you support or oppose these types of funding laws? A majority support government political neutrality, including competitive bidding for government contracts, sending fines directly to the US. Treasury (rather than redirecting to private organizations) and forbidding government grants to political groups. \?ews on Dues Skimming Support (Net) 52% 19% 56% Oppose (Net) 20% 53% 11% I Strongly support Somewhat support I Neither support nor oppose Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Competitive Bidding for Providing Grants that Sending Fines/Penalties Government Contracts Advance Political Causes for Violating Federal Law to the US. Treasury BASE: ALL RESPONDENTS (n=1365) 0701. In general, do you support or oppose competitive bidding for government contracts? 0702. In general, do you support or oppose providin grants that advance political causes? C2703. In general, do you support or oppose sending%nes and penalties for violating federal law to the US. Treasury? While few are familiar with the practice, most oppose Medicaid dues skimming. Views on Medicaid Dues Skimming Across the country there are many How much did you know about different people who receive assistance (Net) 24% this practice before today? from Medicaid. Medicaid money is sent Oppose (Net) 53% A great . directly to caregivers of low-income deal 9% elderly, disabled or ill individuals to ay them to provide in-home care (rathgr I Strongly support than the bene?ciary being enrolled in an institution like a nursing home). in many cases, the money is used to pay a family member to provide care. In several states, care givers are heavily pressured to join a union or may be allowed to opt out, but with great difficulty. In these 5? states the government automatically deducts a portion of the Medicaid I someWhat oppose payment to go directly to the union and not to the caregiver. Some states have made arrangements to automatically sign up caregivers as members with membership fees coming directly out of Total their Medicaid payments. Somewhat support I Neither oppose nor Strongly oppose Pg. 55 BASE: ALL RESPONDENTS (n=1365) 0705. Do you support or oppose this policy? 0706. Regardless of how you feel about this policy, how much did you know about this practice before today? The same holds true for childcare dues skimming there is low awareness and a majority oppose the policy. Views on Childcare Dues Skimming How much did you know about this before today? Support (Net) 27% Oppose (Net) 51% A great deal, 8% In some states low-income families can receive assistance from the federal government to pay for childcare that helps make it possible for parents to work. A portion of the I Somewhat support payments sent to childcare providers, many of whom are small business owners running home daycares, are oppose automatically sent to labor I Somewhat oppose unions as dues before caregivers receive any money. Strongly support I Neither support nor I Strongly oppose Total BASE: ALL RESPONDENTS (n=1365) 0710. Do you support or oppose this policy? 0711. Regardless of how you feel about this policy, how much did you know about this before today? Medicaid dues skimming is seen as being more problematic than childcare dues skimming. More Problematic Dues Skimming Policy Unions have arranged for the government to A portion of the payments sent to automatically deduct a portion of the daycare providers, many of whom are money sent to Medicaid patients and their small business owners running home home healthcare providers. The unions daycares, are automatically sent to receives the money deducted from the labor unions as dues before caregivers Medicaid payments as union dues. receive any money. BASE: ALL RESPONDENTS (n=1365) 0712. Thinking about the two policies you just learned about, and regardless of if you like the policies or not, which one is more problematic? lVlost consider current opt?out procedures unfair. Views on Opt-Out Procedures Fair (Net) 36% Unfair (Net) 64% In some states where caregivers are I Mostly fairto the automatically enrolled in a union or workers pressured to join, there is the option to opt- out. In one state, opting out can happen but only during a 10?day window at the ?sign-up anniversary? which is very difficult information to get. I Somewhat fair to the workers Somewhat unfair to the workers I Mostly unfair to the workers Total BASE: ALL RESPONDENTS (n=1365) Q712b. For someone who wants to opt out of the union do you think these types of opt out procedures Few can think of other programs that operate in a similar manner and those who can actually name government programs. Other Government Programs that Operate This Way Can you think of other government programs/policies that Which program or policy are you thinking of? operate this way? Food signings/Welfare An Ideal program would Social Security om. Unemployment/Disabilities Medicare/Medicaid All/Many do Taxes Corrupt government I Yes lNo Medicare through Social Security Subsidized housing/Department of Houslng and Urban Development BASE: AL RESPONDENTS (n=1365) 0713. Thinking of how these policies work where part of government funds designated for individuals are taken and given to another organization before the payment reaches the intended recipient can you think of any other government programs or policies that operate this way? BASE: YES (n=227) 0714. You mentioned you could think of another government program or policy that works like that. Which program or policy are you thinking of? There are strong levels of agreement with several messages around dues skimming. Agreement with Dues Skimming Messaging I Somewhat Agree I Strongly Agree Strongly/Somewhat Agree In order to preserve the First Amendment rights of family child care providers to make their own decisions about union membership, the federal government should take action to prevent states from acting as unions' dues collection agents. 47% 88% Healthcare and daycare are expensive. Taxpayer dollars for the poor and disabled in Medicaid and daycare support programs should go to those most in need not the unions. 87% It is unfair that money skimmed from home health and daycare workers to pay union dues is used by the unions to further legislative and political interests, pay executives, and even cover administrative costs things that have nothing to do with serving care workers or the care recipients. The nature of home health or child care work means that unions don't provide typical workplace representation a mother is not going to file a grievance against her disabled child so, the government should not collect union dues or fees from caregivers on behalf of any labor organization. Many of the family members and friends who provide in?home health care to Medicaid-eligible individuals make significant sacrifices, including financial ones, to do so. When a portion of the modest stipend they receive is skimmed off and redirected to a union, it makes it more difficult for these providers to Pg. 60 offer this care. 53% 85% 52% 85% 85% BASE: SPLIT SAMPLE (Base Varies) 0715. For the following statements, please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with each. There is also strong agreement with messages based on how the government should not collect dues; that is the responsibility of the unions. Agreement with Dues Skimming Messaging I Somewhat Agree I Strongly Agree Strongly/Somewhat Agree Government should not collect union dues or fees on behalf of labor organizations. 84% Many home health caregivers are relatives or close friends who are taking care of sick family members or friends and receive a modest stipend each month to help cover the costs of the in?home care they provide. For many, this makes caring for a loved on possible. But these caregivers can pay up 83% to $1,000 a year in union dues, often without even realizing it. This just isn?t fair or right. Unions should have to sell and administer the benefits of membership on their own time and on their own dime. 82% BASE: SPLIT SAMPLE (Base Varies) 0715. For the following statements, please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with each. Messaging that takes a broad swing at unions such as growing the union?s treasure chest are not as strong as program/problem specific messages. Agreement with Dues Skimming Messaging I Somewhat Agree I Strongly Agree Strongly/Somewhat Agree Skimming funds directly from Medicaid payments takes resources 78% from a fixed pot of money that is meant to help the disabled. Currently, unions have the upper hand when it comes to locking workers into a union even when those members didn?t opt?in making it difficult for workers to opt-out. 74% Unions use dues money to support political causes and candidates that will further the union leadership?s agenda. This agenda has little do to with improving working conditions or benefits and everything to do with growing the union?s treasure chest and political power by taking money set aside for needy elderly, disabled and sick Americans. 67% BASE: SPLIT SAMPLE (Base Varies) 0715. For the following statements, please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with each. There is strong support for the proposed federal solution to dues skimming. Support for DH HS Action Support (Net) 73% 12:1 Support Oppose (Net) 6% A simple administrative fix from the federal Department of Health and Human Services I Strongly could end the practice of dues skimming. The Department of Health and Human someWhat Services can issue a letter to states engaged in this practice telling them they must stop, I Neither support nor and federal rules can be adopted making oppose this practice illegal with federal funds. I Somewhat oppose lStron ose 9y PP 3% Total BASE: ALL RESPONDENTS (n=1365) 0760. Do you support or oppose this type of action? POLITICAL CAPITAL UNDERSTAND Pg. 64 Government takes as much blame for dues skimming policies as unions. Responsible Entities for Dues Skimming Practices More likely to blame State Governments: Ages 18-24 41% 39% 37% 27% The federal The unions State governments Not sure government BASE: AL RESPONDENTS (n=1365) 0800. Thinking about dues skimming, which is the practice of deducting money from government assistance payments going to caretakers as union dues, who do you think is responsible for this practice? (Select all that apply.) Seven-out-of?ten support anti-dues skimming policies (with nearly half strongly supporting). Support for Anti-Dues Skimming Policies Support (Net) 71% 831 Support Oppose (Net) 9% Strongly support I Somewhat support I Neither support nor oppose Somewhat oppose I St rong oppose 4% Tota BASE: ALL RESPONDENTS (n=1365) 0802. Federal law has not specifically prohibited dues skimming so this policy is being adopted at the state level. Do you support or oppose policies that stop dues skimming from taking place? Politicians will benefit from a strong stance opposing dues skimming policies. Likelihood to Vote Based on Dues Skimming Stance More Likely to Vote (Net) 18% 66% More Likely to Vote (Net) Less Likely to Vote (Net) 62% 9% Less Likely to Vote (Net) I Much more likely to vote for that person I Somewhat more likely to vote for that person I It would make no difference to my vote I Somewhat less likely to vote for that person I Much less likely to vote for that person 5% Supports Dues Skimming Opposes Dues Skimming BASE: SPLIT HALF (n=684) 0805A. If you knew an elected official representing you supported dues skimming, would you be more or less likely to vote for that person or would It make no difference? SPLIT HALF (n=681) Q8053. If you knew an elected official representing you opposed dues skimming and was working to end the practice, would you be more or less likely to vote for that person or would it make no difference? Supporting the Right-to?Work has a positive impact on likelihood to support a candidate. More educational work is needed on recertification. Likelihood to Vote Based on Right-to-Work Stance More Likely to Vote (Net) 65% 40% Less Likely to Vote (Net) 10% 23% I Much more likely to vote for that person I Somewhat more likely to vote for that person I It would make no difference to my vote I Somewhat less likely to vote for that person I Much less likely to vote for that person Supports Right-to-Work Supports Legislation Requiring Unions Let Workers Vote On Keeping the Union BASE: ALL RESPONDENTS (n=1365) 0810. If you knew an elected official representing you supported right-to-work laws, which are state laws saying workers do not have to pay or join a union in order to work at a particular job, would you be more or less likely to vote for that person or would it make no difference? 0815. If you knew an elected of?cial representing you supported legislation that required unions to let their workers vote each year on whether or not to keep the union, would you be more or less likely to vote for that person or would it make no difference? POST EASURES UNDERSTAND Favorability toward government labor unions decreases with dues skimming education and messaging. Favorability Toward Government Labor Unions Average Favorability Score - - FAVORABLE FAVORABLE 71-100 (Net) 71-100 (Net) 38% 27% 56.8 NEUTRAL NEUTRAL 31-70 (Net) 31-70 (Net) 40% 41% UNFAVORABLE UNFAVORABLE 1-30 (Net) 31% i VNet change in Favorable BASE: ALL RESPONDENTS (n=1365) 0.210. Please indicate how favorable you are toward government labor unions (public school teachers, firefighters, and police officers), using a scale of 1 to 100 where means you %gtive feelings" toward public employee unions and 100 means you have ?extremely warm or positive feelings" toward public employee unions. You can 1-30 (Net) 22% Pre have ?extremely cold or ne use any number from 1 to 1 0910. Earlier, when asked to indicate how favorable you are toward government labor unions (teachers, fire?ghters, and police) using a scale of 1 to 100 where 1 means you have ?extremely cold or negative feelings" toward overnment labor unions and 100 means you have "extremely warm or positive feelings" toward government labor unions, you said Now, how favorable are you towar government labor unions using the same 1 to 100 scale? A similar but less pronounced trend was observed for private labor unions. Favorability Toward Private Labor Unions Average Favorability Score - - FAVORABLE FAVORABLE 71-100 (Net) 71-100 (Net) 37% 30% 56.7 NEUTRAL 31-70 (Net) 41% NEUTRAL 31-70 (Net) 41% UNFAVORABLE 1-30 (Net) 28% UNFAVORABLE 1-30 (Net) 22% Pre VNet change in Favorable BASE: ALL RESPONDENTS (n=1365) 0.211. Please indicate how favorable you are toward private industry labor unions (auto workers, plumbers, electricians), using a scale of 1 to 100 where means you have "extremely cold or negative feelings" toward private industry labor unions and 100 means you have ?extremely warm or positive feelings" toward private industry labor unions. You can use any number from 1 to 100. 0911. Earlier, when asked to indicate how favorable you are toward private industry labor unions (auto workers, plumbers, electricians) using a scale of 1 to 100 where 1 means you have "extremely cold or negative feelings" toward private industry labor unions and 100 means you have "extremely warm or positive feelings" toward private industry labor unions, you said Now, how favorable are you toward private industry labor unions using the same 1 to 100 scale? Overall support for government labor unions decreases with the policies and messages tested. \?ews on Government Labor Unions Support (Net) 43% 34% Oppose (Net) 19% 37% Strongly support I Somewhat support I Neither support nor oppose Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Pre Post VNet change in Top 2 Box BASE: ALL RESPONDENTS (n=1365) C2215. Generally speaking, do you support or oppose government labor unions? C2915. Earlier when asked whether you support or oppose government labor unions you said Now, to what extend to you support or oppose government labor unions? Change in Net Support of Government Labor Unions Overall Ch an ge -9 Core Anti Forgotten American Worker Independents Male Republicans Ages 45-54 Post-Graduate Degree Economic Conservatives M?unt??n Region SOWG College - . ite Co ege Gra uate 222:? 6%??533; (if Ives 6 Economic Moderates HS or Less Ages 55?64 Female Non?Union Sympathetic Household Middle Atlantic East North Central East South Central West South Central West North Central Social Moderates Pacific South Atlantic New England Non-Union Households Ages 35?44 Union Sympathetic Household Asian Hispanic Ages 18?24 Ages 25-34 African-Americans Social Liberals Democrats Economic Liberals Union Households *More oppose than support There is a 13-point drop in the number who believe unions do more good than harm after messaging. \?ews on Impact of Labor Unions Good (Net) 47% 34% Harm (Net) 21% 32% I Much more good than harm I Somewhat more good than harm I Equal amount of ha rm and good I Somewhat more harm than good I Much more harm than good Pre Post VNet change in Top 2 Box BASE: ALL RESPONDENTS (n=1365) C2220. Overall, do you think labor unions generally do more harm or more good? C2920. Earlier you said unions do Now, do you think labor unions generally do more harm or more good? Support for Right-to-Work laws remained fairly stable. Support for Right-to-Work Laws Support (Net) 70% 67% Oppose (Net) 11% 11% Strongly support I Somewhat support I Neither support nor oppose Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Pre Post VNet change in Top 2 Box BASE: ALL RESPONDENTS (n=1365) 0225. Based on this description, do you support or oppose these types of laws? 0925. Earlier when asked whether you support or oppose these types of laws you said Now, to what extend to you support or oppose these types of laws? There is little change in views on using the government to collect dues Views on Collecting Dues From Public Employee Members Agree (Net) 82% 83% A Disagree (Net) 18% 17% Strongly agree Somewhat agree I Somewhat disagree I Strongly disagree Pre Post Never Appropriate for Gov?t to Help Unions Collect Dues from Public Employee Members BASE: SPLIT HALF (n=680) ANet change in TOP 2 BOX 0235A. How much do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Q935A. Earlier you said you with the following statement. Now, how much do you agree or disagree with the statement? The same trend was observed when asking the question a different way. \?ews on Collecting Dues From Public Employee Members Agree (Net) 35% 32% Disagree (Net) 65% 68% Strongly agree Somewhat agree I Somewhat disagree I Strongly disagree Pre Post Always Appropriate for Gov?t to Help Unions Collect Dues from Public Employee Members BASE: SPLIT HALF (n=685) VNet Change in T09 2 BOX 02353. How much do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Q9353. Earlier you said you with the following statement. Now, how much do you agree or disagree with the statement? Most continue to believe members get the value they deserve from member dues, but the belie1c shows signs of erosion. Value of Dues Agree (Net) 64% 55% Disagree (Net) 36% 45% I Strongly agree I Somewhat agree I Somewhat disagree I Strongly disagree Pre Post Union members get the value they deserve from their union membership dues BASE: ALL RESPONDENTS (n=1365) 5 Net Change in Top 2 BOX 0228. How much do you agree or disagree with the following statement? 0928. Earlier when asked if you agreed or disagreed with this statement you said Now, to what extent od you agree or disagree with the following statement? Similarly, most continue to believe union leadership is accountable, but there is a sizeable decrease with messaging on dues skimming. Accountability of Leadership Agree (Net) 70% 60% Disagree (Net) 30% 40% I Strongly agree I Somewhat agree I Somewhat disagree I Strongly disagree Pre Post Union leadership is accountable to its members and looks out for their best interests BASE: ALL RESPONDENTS (n=1365) a Net Change in TOP 7- 30" C2229. How much do you agree or disagree with the following statement? C2929. Earlier when asked if you agreed or disagreed with this statement you said Now, to what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement? APPENDIX Pg. 80 Ideology Total Total 2016 Not at all 13% Political Republican 27% Forgotten/lgn Not very much 19% Party Democrat 38% ored/Left To some degree 41% Independent 26% Behind Voter Most y 15% Libertarian 3% Definitely 13% Something else 2% Voted in Yes 90% sure 3% 2016 Election No 9% Decline to answer 2% Not sure 1% 2016 Donald Trump 39% Presidential Hillary Clinton 49% Vote Someone else 10% Do not remember 1% Ideology (Cont) Total Economic Very Conservative 13% Ideology Somewhat 150/ Conservative Lean Conservative 12% Do not lean either way 15% Lean Liberal 12% Somewhat Liberal 12% Very Liberal 14% Not Sure 5% Decline to answer 2% Total Social Very Conservative 14% Ideology Somewhat 110/ Conservative Lean Conservative 12% Do not lean either way 15% Lean Liberal 9% Somewhat Liberal 13% Very Liberal 19% Not Sure 5% Decline to answer 3% Demographic Data TOTAL Gender Male 49% Female 51% Age 18-24 13% 25-34 18% 35-44 17% 45-54 17% 55-64 17% 65+ 19% Race/Eth Hispanic 16% nicity Caucasian/White 64% Africa n-American/Black 12% Asian 5% Multi-race 2% Other 1% TOTAL Marital Single, never married 31% Status Married 49% Living with Partner 6% Divorced 9% Separated 1% Widow/Widower 4% Prefer not to answer 1% Children in None 68Mean 0.5 Geography TOTAL Region New England 5% Middle Atlantic 13% East North Central 15% West North Central 7% South Atlantic 20% East South Central 6% West South Central 12% Mountain 7% Pacific 16% Socioeconomic Measures TOTAL TOTAL Education HS or Less (NET) 13% Income Less than (NET) 45% Less than high school Less than $10,000 4% (8th grade or less) $10,000 but $15,000 4% 50m high SCh??l 1% $15,000 but $20,000 5% (9th-12th grade) High school graduate 17% $20900 bUt $30900 10% Some College (NET) 39% $30,000 but $40,000 13% Some college. but no 23% $40,000 but $50,000 9% degrefe $50,000 but $75,000 23% Assocrate Degree (Vocational 15% $75,000 but $100,000 12% Technical) or more (NET) 16% Bachelor?s degree 29% $100 000 but Post-Graduate (NET) 14% $1?0 000 11% Master's degree 11% $150 060 50/ Professional degree 2% or more 0? Doctorate degree 1% Prefer not to answer 4/o Decline to answer Employment Data Employment Status TOTAL Employed (NET) 56% Employed full-time 39% Employed part-time 10% Self-employed 6% Not Employed 9% Retired 22% Student 5% Stay-at-home spouse or partner Prefer not to answer 1% TOTAL Union Member Associated with 0 Union (NET) 15 Yes, member 8% Yes, someone in HH is 7% member No 83% Not sure 2% Union Member Yes, relative 23% Relatives/Friends Yes, close friend 14% No 58% Not sure 1 1%