Why Unions Matter

by Michael D. Yates

"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 best place to start."
--Kim Moody, author of Workers in a Lean World
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.

Genres: Labor, Nonfiction, History, Politics, Economics, Business, Social Justice

200 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1998

Reviews

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a basic explanation of what unions are for, and the history of them. I knew most of the history/philosophy surrounding them already, so I wasn't too surprised by anything. I had a hard time relating, because I feel that the corporation I work for treats its employees well enough, so that a union is not necessary. Though I do support unions for blue collar trades and teachers. Just a few facts and phrases I took away from the book:

-Crossing picket lines
-Rank and file
-Right to work states - Have a state statute which makes it illegal for a union and an emmployer to negotiate either a union shop or an agency shop. Right to work states, mainly in the South, are poorer and have worse socio-economic conditions.
-AFL-CIO
-Collective bargaining - The process of unions negotiating wages, hours, terms & conditions with the employer.
-Taft-Hartley Act of 1947
-The Teamsters (a corrupt union; not all unions are good)
-In 1981, Reagan fired thousands of air traffic controllers over a labor dispute. He really intensified the war on labor.

The unions in the U.S. have never been able to form an independent political party. Since we've been a democratic society from the beginning, there was no need to rebel against the government and form a third party, as did the Europeans against their authoritarian governments. U.S. unions always aligned themselves with the Democratic party, which is almost as corrupt as the Republicans, but the lesser of the two evils.

Page 133: "...the CIO unions...emerging out of upheavals during the Great Depression... helped to democratize the larger society by providing workers with a vehicle through which they could influence the politics of the nation. The recognition of universal economic rights, such as health care, social security, and unemployment insurance, owes a great deal to the labor movement."

[KT · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good overview of the important of unions and labour organising in the context of the USA

Recognises that a union has more purpose than traditional bread and butter issues, such as wages, benefits and job security, as there are issues of dignity, justice, discrimination and fairness to contend with.
Also the importance of international worker solidarity amid global capitalism and how the AFL and AFL-CIO have held generally knee-jerk reactionary international positions contrary to this, often under the false belief that US union members would benefit from anticommunism as US corporations would be more profitable and could then pay higher wages

[Julesreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reads like a foundational text. I’m no expert, but I know enough to read Yates’ succinct, all-encompassing argument for, and criticism of, unions, and see a brilliant class-consciousness and radical perspective absolutely working it. I loved this book and actually hope to become an expert, of sorts, on this subject, with Why Unions Matter always in mind.

[Alexandra Pederson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was exactly the book I needed to read to begin my exploration of labor unions, but specifically the historical background on working-class movements & struggles throughout the development of American corporate capitalism.

[Drew Reilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though the second edition is over 10 years old, it still offers a good perspective on what the American Labor Movement need.

[djsbsnsh]

中文版《为何我们需要工会》

[Talia Stringfellow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would give 3.5 stars. It was informative and well structured but somewhat outdated by the end. First half is more compelling

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was an informative introduction to unions for me. Although the book had a slow pace, after reading it, I have a somewhat better understanding of how unions operate.

[Algernon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second edition of this good-quality introduction to labor unions, how they work, and their history, includes updated information and analysis about developments in labor politics during the first decade of the 21st century.

The author has extensive background knowledge and experience working with labor unions. In addition to his teaching career he spent time working for the UFW. The book calls for enhanced labor education and an independent social movement devoted to working class solidarity and justice. In light of the modern mobility of capital, he also presents a convincing argument for international organization in the era of global trade.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This comprehensive and readable introduction to unions is the best overview of unions and unionism in the U.S. that I have seen. Michael Yates clearly and convincingly makes the case that a new labor movement is the best way to bring the changes needed in our country.

Those of us involved in local union work need information on why workers need unions, how unions form, how they operate, how collective bargaining works, the role of unions in politics, and how unions really do help workers and society as a whole. Why Unions Matter does just that. If you are a local union leader or just passionate about the working class struggle, I would urge you to read this book.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great introductory-type book to the labor movement and how truly crucial it is to so many other social issues. A bit outdated now (I think it's ten or some years old), but it definitely gives you quite a bit to think on and might inspire the radical in you ;-) If for nothing else, it's something important to understand.

[Jack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, but I must admit I was mostly interested in the history of unions. The parts of the book that covered that topic were more enjoyable for me. Most of this book is about convincing you that unions matter. Quelle surprise! And he makes a strong case. I just would have liked a little more historical background. Picky, I know. Still looking for a good history of the union movement.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction to unions. And why they matter ;) Good historical background which gives some perspective on how the labor movement has ended up where it is today (or 10 years ago, when the book was written anyway).

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this is a decent introductory to Unions it is woefully outdated.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

a fine introduction to the labor movement

[Erica Reichert · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to the importance of unions for society.

[Deidre · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wonder if there is an updated version...