Key points in the poll:

· 60 percent oppose eliminating some collective bargaining rights for public employee unions. Only 33 percent support eliminating them.

· 56 percent oppose cutting the pay or benefits of public employees to reduce state budget deficits. Only 37 percent favor doing so.

· 40 percent would raise taxes to lower their state’s budget deficit. Fewer — 22 percent — chose decreasing public employee benefits.

· Americans have a net positive view of labor unions. Thirty-three percent have a favorable view, compared to 25 percent who hold an unfavorable view.

· The percentage of Americans who say labor unions have too much power has declined from 60 percent to 37 percent today.