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Labor’s Partisans: Essential Writings on the Union Movement from the 1950s to Today
The top writers on labor provide vital historical context for the current upsurge in union organizing
In 1954, the American labor movement reached its historic height, with one-third of all non-agricultural workers belonging to a union—and much higher percentages in the nation’s key industries. That same year, a group of writers and activists, many with close ties to organized labor, founded Dissent magazine, which quickly became the publishing home for the most important progressive voices on American unions.
Today, at a time of both resurgent union organizing and socialist politics, the need for this rich tradition of ideas is as pressing as ever.
With over twenty-five contributions by some of the nation’s most influential progressive voices, Labor’s Partisans brings to life a history of labor that is of immediate relevance to our own times. Introduced and edited by leading labor historians Nelson Lichtenstein and Samir Sonti, this essential volume reveals the powerful currents and debates running through the labor movement, from the 1950s to today.
Combining stunning writing, political passion, and deep historical perspective, Labor’s Partisans will be a source of ideas and inspiration for anyone concerned with a more just future for working people.
In 1954, the American labor movement reached its historic height, with one-third of all non-agricultural workers belonging to a union—and much higher percentages in the nation’s key industries. That same year, a group of writers and activists, many with close ties to organized labor, founded Dissent magazine, which quickly became the publishing home for the most important progressive voices on American unions.
Today, at a time of both resurgent union organizing and socialist politics, the need for this rich tradition of ideas is as pressing as ever.
With over twenty-five contributions by some of the nation’s most influential progressive voices, Labor’s Partisans brings to life a history of labor that is of immediate relevance to our own times. Introduced and edited by leading labor historians Nelson Lichtenstein and Samir Sonti, this essential volume reveals the powerful currents and debates running through the labor movement, from the 1950s to today.
Combining stunning writing, political passion, and deep historical perspective, Labor’s Partisans will be a source of ideas and inspiration for anyone concerned with a more just future for working people.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 4, 2025
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About the author
Nelson Lichtenstein
57 books30 followersNelson Lichtenstein is a professor of history at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and director of the Center for the Study of Work, Labor and Democracy.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 17, 2025
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and The New Press in exchange for an honest review.
Any anthology of articles is going to be a mixed bag, with some interesting articles and some not so much. The best articles were those on the practical experiences of organising a union and those that discussed the struggle for internal union democracy.
Unfortunately, most of the articles had a broader focus on why unions are a positive influence, which is true, but it felt like preaching to the converted. My biggest complaint is that the book didn't tell me much I didn't already know. If you already think that unions play an important role in raising living standards of working people and fighting corporate domination, then you'll like this book, but it won't give you much that is new.
Any anthology of articles is going to be a mixed bag, with some interesting articles and some not so much. The best articles were those on the practical experiences of organising a union and those that discussed the struggle for internal union democracy.
Unfortunately, most of the articles had a broader focus on why unions are a positive influence, which is true, but it felt like preaching to the converted. My biggest complaint is that the book didn't tell me much I didn't already know. If you already think that unions play an important role in raising living standards of working people and fighting corporate domination, then you'll like this book, but it won't give you much that is new.
May 15, 2025
It is hard for me to write a neutral review of this book. I read this as part of a wonderful reading group and the book certainly sparked a great number of interesting and fruitful discussions. However, I will do my best.
This book gives a good overview of the thoughts/theories of many luminaries of the American Labor Left since the end of the Second World War. A great many of these essays offer great lessons for today, many others promote positions which have long held the union movement back, in my opinion. However, the express goal of the book is provide "essential writings on the Union Movement" and it does just that. Reading this book gives the reader a solid overview of debates in the Labor Movement. It just so happens that this includes both good and bad essays, as that history includes good and bad people and ideas.
On the whole I would recommend this book. Many of the essays are fantastic and it is easy to skip those which are boring and/or unhelpful.
This book gives a good overview of the thoughts/theories of many luminaries of the American Labor Left since the end of the Second World War. A great many of these essays offer great lessons for today, many others promote positions which have long held the union movement back, in my opinion. However, the express goal of the book is provide "essential writings on the Union Movement" and it does just that. Reading this book gives the reader a solid overview of debates in the Labor Movement. It just so happens that this includes both good and bad essays, as that history includes good and bad people and ideas.
On the whole I would recommend this book. Many of the essays are fantastic and it is easy to skip those which are boring and/or unhelpful.
November 25, 2025
this anthology was too long - better off picking and choosing your battles
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews