Pensions and Healthcare: A Practical Assessment of Political Choices

Abstract

Research reports that some union members support candidates and policies that are counter to their own best interests and the interests of organized labor. The issues of healthcare, pensions, and Social Security are used as focal points to evaluate union and political involvement of 116 apprentices from the Sheet Metal Workers International Association Local 104.Despite their convictions, their understanding of the politics inherent to the issues addressed, and their overwhelming support of their union, less than 50% of respondents voted in the last election! This political inaction jeopardizes the benefits respondents so strongly support.