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ISBN: also of interest: RISING FROM |
WHY UNIONS MATTERby Michael D. Yates "When people asked me for a good,
basic introduction to the labor movement I used to draw a blank. Well, here it
is at last. Michael Yates' Why Unions Matter is a comprehensive,
readable introduction to the history, structure, functioning, and yes, the
problems of U.S. unions. For labor and political activists just coming on the
scene or veterans looking for that missing overview, this is the place to
start." "Written in a personal, anecdotal
style, yet well documented, this book is particularly successful in the
chapters that focus on the nuts and bolts of union activities (collective
bargaining, structures, organizing), an area largely ignored by current
business and political literature."
Employers say that the only real effect of unions is to steal dues payments from workers' pockets. Why Unions Matter proves with irrefutable statistics and persuasive analysis that unionized workers in every part of the economy get more pay and better benefits than employees who do comparable work but do not belong to a union. Yet economic gains and job security are just the starting point for this informative book. It is just as significant, argues Michael Yates, that unions inspire power, solidarity, and dignity in workers, with great consequences for their lives. Why Unions Matter does not, however, make excuses for existing trade unions. Faced with a decades-long loss of membership, the union movement badly needs new approaches, argues Yates. Providing sound practical advice on many topics—like what makes a collective bargaining campaign effective, or what approach unions should take in electoral politics—Yates calls for a more independent, tough-minded, democratic, and politically progressive labor movement. Why Unions Matter is written in clear language with a solid grasp of labor history and the underlying economics of labor relations. This is an ideal reference work for anyone interested in finding out how unions work, and why they are getting more attention, both positive and negative, from the media and the government. With historical sidebars ranging from the Industrial Workers of the World to Cesar Chavez and a generous sprinkling of photos and cartoons, Why Unions Matter is a clear and simple introduction to the labor movement's purpose and promise. About the Author If you have any technical comments or suggestions, about this web site, please send e-mail to Renee Pendergrass at promo@monthlyreview.org |
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