Power at Work. Federation Press. 2005.

by Michael H. Crosby

Documents the crisis facing the union movement and focuses on the central role of organising workplaces and industries in an evidence-based plan for renewal. This book proposes an agenda which is hardheaded, practical and achievable, one based on the recent experiences of successful unions - unions where the membership numbers are going up.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published September 9, 2005

Reviews

[Keir · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book expecting an organising manual, however its a little different to that. Aimed squarely at Australian trade union leaders Power at Work sets out a compelling case for wholesale union reform and adoption of the organising agenda. Whilst I certainly don't agree with all the conclusions of Crosby everything is well argued and much of the advice given is invaluable. In the couple of very good chapters on organising, key insights include the value of visiting workers in their homes rather than on the job. Much of the proposals for winning union reform are also useful, including on the emphasis for the importance of winning member support for change.