Introducing State of the Unions
After years of being ignored by the media and the public, labor finds itself squarely in the spotlight — under attack from all angles and fighting back fiercely. No longer can anyone claim that labor is a mere relic, for its adversaries would not expend so much energy to destroy a movement grown truly irrelevant. But what is this war on labor all about? What is the back story that has led us to this point? Can unions survive, and how? And what are the stakes for the middle class and for our country?
State of the Unions takes us on a riveting journey — replete with colorful characters and penetrating analysis — that answers these questions. It places today’s news in context while making a powerful argument that a reinvigorated labor movement and a strong middle class are inextricably linked, even as it points out how labor must change to get there.
The book is ideally suited for anyone wanting to know more about the labor movement, middle-class struggles, or our economic problems; for unions or any organization to which labor is relevant; for college courses on labor studies or industrial relations; for practitioners of labor-management relations or arbitration/mediation; and for those who make, or who are affected by, workplace and employment policies.
The first edition of State of the Unions (2008 McGraw Hill) was selected as one of the best books on labor or work issues of the past five years by the United Association for Labor Education and was widely praised by scholars, political leaders, trade unionists, policymakers and media reviewers. The updated edition of the book (December 2012 Argo Navis) expands its scope to include the current union battles around the country, a behind-the-scenes look at labor’s gradual disenchantment over the past four years with its political allies in Washington, labor’s rethinking of its political strategy, and the bid by unions to survive the assault of the past couple of years.
How the Book was Received
Visit this page to read reaction >>
Back of the Book
State of the Unions, revised and in paperback and ebook, places today’s news on the war on labor in context while making a powerful argument that a reinvigorated labor movement and a strong middle class are inextricably linked.
After years of being ignored by the media and public, labor finds itself squarely in the spotlight – under attack from all angles and fighting back fiercely. No longer can anyone claim that labor’s falling membership has made it a mere relic, for its adversaries would not expend so much energy to destroy a movement grown truly irrelevant. But what is this war on labor all about? Can unions survive, and how? And what are the stakes for the middle class and for our country?
With the benefit of 25 years of award-winning reporting, Philip Dine takes us on a riveting journey – replete with colorful characters and penetrating analysis – that answers these questions.
Sample From the Book
Coming soon!
Book Publication Details
Paperback: 298 pages
Publisher: Argo-Navis (2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0786754346
ISBN-13: 978-0786754342
Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
