A study compared the political action, attitudes, and behavior of union members and members of union households to those of individuals who are not affiliated with a union. National data from the 1950s through the 1980s on the political identification, beliefs, and behavior of union/union household members and nonmembers were analyzed along with information gathered during extensive interviews with 30 state/local union leaders that were conducted throughout Ohio in 1990. The analysis established that, since 1952, the nonwhite and female components of union membership have more than doubled, overall union membership has declined, and the unionized work force has become more white collar. Other study findings were as follows: (1) union members remain more likely to vote Democratic than persons from nonunion households; (2) voter turnout is higher among urban union members (but not among their household members) than among the general population; and (3) unions still retain significant political influence over their members (but not over members' households). (Fifteen tables and 10 references are included. Included in 17 appendixes are the following: detailed demographic information on union members/nonmembers; information on the attitudes of labor unions, big business, and the Democratic and Republican parties; and the interview guide.) (MN)