Leaders and activists respond to online survey about current issues, events

Rising healthcare costs, layoffs, privatization, contracting out, budget cuts and protecting the integrity of collective bargaining rights are among the most difficult issues that union representatives have been dealing with over the past few years at the bargaining table and in the legislature, according to an online survey of leaders and activists conducted by the AFT Public Employees department over the summer.

One hundred and seven leaders and activists responded to the survey, which covered everything from what type of leadership training they would like to receive to assessing the strength of their locals in a number of areas, ranging from communications with members to lobbying to grievance handling to providing professional development opportunities to members. Many respondents noted that morale among members is low, largely due to cuts in public programs as well as because of political attacks devaluing public services.

Nearly 74 percent of respondents said they most identify with the Democratic Party; 17 percent consider themselves Independent; and almost 5 percent most identify with the Republican Party.

Respondents were asked which presidential candidate they would vote for if the election were held today: 86 percent would vote for John Kerry; 6 percent for George Bush and almost 4 percent for Ralph Nader.