Of course there is a difference between the union member and the person (like the OP or me) who remembers a family history of unionism. But I believe that those of us who remember our fathers, mothers, grandparents in unions have been profoundly affected by that. We are the ones who support unions from the outside. It isn't the same, of course, but our support is valuable. Our attitudes have been formed watching our fathers carry signs or tend wounds. We have lived out of "union boxes," something that I remember so well during long strikes. We view situations like the recent one in Wisconsin differently than those who have only heard of unions from a distance.
I am unaware of any union that covers my profession. We are independent as cats. We tend to work one or two in a company and, frankly, I can't imagine how to go about unionizing my field. That is my personal failure; I am sure a more forceful person could find a way. If there were a union I would join but that is a fairly empty gesture until the option arises. I would prefer to be a union member and I wish unions were far more widespread in this country. The fact is that unions in the US have suffered from injuries both external and internal. There have been huge problems within union leadership - another thing I remember from my father's union days. There have been leaders who were indistinguishable from the bosses...and worse. The anti-union sentiment in this country seems to grow more vicious daily and sometimes one must admit that there are reasons. Somehow unions in this country are often perceived as selfish - gaining advantage only for their own members without concern for other workers rather than as organizations standing for the rights of all wage earners. So many of the most virulently anti-union people I know ARE wage earners. They see unionized workers as extortionists who have somehow managed to force their employers to pay them more and provide more benefits. They see the unionized workers as competition, even enemies, rather than cheering the strength of collective action and the possibilities it should show all workers. I can't remember the last time unions in this country truly united across lines to stand in solidarity. Until that happens routinely I think those for unions and those against will not cut along the lines of workers and management.
While I agree that union sympathy is not the same as union membership it would seem that unions need all the help they can get. Rather than being exclusive - us versus them - I think it would be a good thing for unions to be as inclusive as possible and welcoming to any valid support they can find.
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