Why You Should Be a Trade Unionist

by Len McCluskey

In this short and accessible book, Len McCluskey, General Secretary of Unite the Union, presents the case for joining a trade union. Drawing on anecdotes from his own long involvement in unions, he looks at the history of trade unions, what they do and how they give a voice to working people, as democratic organisations.

He considers the changing world of work, the challenges and opportunities of automation and why being trade unionists can enable us to help shape the future. He sets out why being a trade unionist is as much a political role as it is an industrial one and why the historic links between the labour movement and the Labour Party matter.

Ultimately, McCluskey explains how being a trade unionist means putting equality at work and in society front and centre, fighting for an end to discrimination, and to inequality in wages and power.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, History, Labor, Economics, Activism

145 pages, Paperback

First published January 28, 2020

About the author

Leonard David McCluskey (b. 1950) is a retired English trade unionist. He was general secretary of Unite the Union, the largest affiliate and a major donor to the Labour Party. As a young adult, he spent some years working in the Liverpool Docks for the Mersey Docks and Harbour Company prior to becoming a full-time union official for the Transport and General Workers' Union (T&GWU) in 1979.

McCluskey was elected as the general secretary of Unite in 2010, and was re-elected to his post in 2013 and 2017, before announcing his retirement in 2021. A former member of the Labour Party, McCluskey was on the party's left. He was a key backer and supporter of Jeremy Corbyn during his time as Leader of the Labour Party.

Reviews

[Milo · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars. ‘Why You Should be a Trade Unionist’ offers a compelling but short n sweet overview of the labour movement, predominantly in the UK where the author is frm. This book’s power lies in its strong ability to captivate and ignite a sense of solidarity among the working class and all those who work fr a living.

McCluskey’s writing style is engaging and accessible, allowing both seasoned union members as well as newcomers to grasp the essence of the labour movement. He skillfully presents historical context and key principles, emphasising the significance of collective action and the fight fr workers’ rights. It serves as a rallying cry of the power of unions, urging us to stand firm and recognise the strength that comes frm unity.

While the book’s compact size restricts some depth of analysis and detail, it still manages to provide an insightful introduction to its subject matter. It did at points leave me w some unanswered questions and a desire fr more elaboration on certain topics, but it does what it intended to do, which is allow fr a quick and accessible read fr those who may be new to the topic. These minor shortcomings do not detract frm the book’s core message or its ability to inspire us all to take action and advocate fr our rights in the workplace. Overall: Solidarity forever, fr the union makes us strong! 🤝✊

[Eleanor Dobbles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book! Definitely aimed towards British audiences, something I didn’t realize until I started reading, so some of the specific details and examples weren’t as helpful to me, but at its core it’s universal in nature. McCluskey walks us through a brief history of trade unionism and makes a case for why unions should continue to be at the forefront of labor movements, ending with a call to action. This is by no means an exhaustive guidebook, but it accomplishes its purpose as an accessible introduction to the purpose of unions from someone who has had a long and successful career as a union leader.

[Leoniepeonie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read and a tidy lil overview of the labour movement. Powerful in being short, but that did mean it compromised on a lot of detail and the chapters didn't feel fully developed. Good all't same tho.

[Ivan Loginov · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I see it, Len McCluskey tried to do three different things with this book - briefly introduce the reader to the history of British trade unionism, show them the inseparability of unions activism and politics, and most importantly, inspire them to join. It matches his understanding of unions aims - to educate, to organise and to fight politically.

Reeding it as non-British, some historical details seemed either unnecessary or not thorough enough to inform appropriately. But, on the other hand, I enjoy how this book sheds light on the origin of the Labour party as not just another party but the fighting arm of the broader movement.

Some questions stayed unanswered, some personal comments felt unnecessary, but otherwise, I highly recommend it to everyone working for a living. Get it to your friends and colleagues, share it with your family members. For the union makes us strong!

[Derek McMillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Len McClusky's book “Why you should be a trade unionist” is a lively and accessible account of the role trade unionism has played in the past and the hope which workers' organisations provide for the future.
It answers in detail the question, “What have the unions done for us?” In particular, he praises those in the so-called “gig economy” who have organised and fought against some of the most vicious employers in the country and won significant victories.
It deals with some issues which are not usually thought of as trade union concerns. For example the Grenfell fire which he squarely blames on austerity cuts. “Union members were involved from the outset, supporting residents in the immediate humanitarian response. In those painful days after the tragedy we provided a vital link to the wider community, offering legal advice and representation to many residents, in what will be a long road to justice. Grenfell members have also received legal support from their unions in relation to housing, welfare and employment issues arising as a direct result of the fire – injustices that the mainstream media rarely notice.”
On “Unite Community” (of which I am a member) he writes, “This has become a fundamental part of our union’s political response to the Tories’ aggressive agenda of cuts. It has helped to ensure that we are at the forefront of political, industrial and community opposition to austerity. We invited not only the unemployed through our doors but all those not in paid work, including students, pensioners, disabled people, volunteers and carers. This is undoubtedly without precedent in British trade unionism and it adds another dimension to the union’s strength, because giving people not in work the opportunity to find their own voice assists us industrially.”
Whether it is dealing with anti-union bosses like Ryan Air or the climate emergency, this is a text book for anyone interested in the future of society. I enjoyed reading it. It educated an old leftie like me and it can do the same for you.

[new · Rating 4 out of 5]

Len McCluskey told the stories of how and why trade unionists are essential to the working people both in politics and in the workplace. While the Tories try their best to eliminate unions and their power, progressive and left-wing union still remain in the fight for democracy and equality. Unions of today however, is slowly becoming a foreign and irrelevant concept in the society and among the youth. McCluskey urged the workers to "rise like lions" and meet modern challenges with just solutions. The book reads like a story being told by a veteran trade unionist and feels both informative and inspiring as a mixture of personal observations and major historical events are put into context.

[Nick Caris · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a wonderful book to show the recent history of trade unions in the UK. As an outsider who knows a bit about the UK and more about continental unions, it showed me great insight and thought me some tactics and idea from UK unions.

It is however a very reformist book. From talking about "working within the law" to supporting weapon industry while also talking about internationalism. It's a shame to see that a "radical" union leader still is so reformist, even tho we would not be where we are today without more radical thought and action.

[George L · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a good message, and one that I agree with having come into the book. However, for the book itself - the chapters don't have much identity, and the arguments a lot of the time revolve around short anecdotes, or short accounts of historical action. You leave with the vague impression that trade unions are inclusive and progressive, but not quite sure how to argue the case for yourself in a concerted way.

[maddy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Accessible and easy to read history of trade unionism in the UK. Generally, could do with more development in the views it puts forward. For example, a more detailed look into zero-hour contracts. Still, does what intends as an introduction into trade unionism so it's lack of development can probably be excused.

[Ietrio · Rating 1 out of 5]

A politically correct text on the principles of the Ottoman army: join the Union, you get to keep whatever you plunder and let the Union leader care for himself and the good of his family as a cut of your gains.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was more a short history of trade unions in the UK but still very interesting. I really liked the points he brought up about unions existing to increase confidence in workers and how education is also a tool to increase confidence, I appreciated that!

[Steven · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good overview to the UK labor union movement and its successes as well as the utility of unions in a political capacity. Recommended for anyone unfamiliar with unions. Anyone looking for an in-depth analysis on union practices should look to other sources as this is a light intro.

[Glen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read ...

[William Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, it’s going to be one sided yes, but it’s a real rallying cry for the power of unions and (as the name suggests) why you should join one.

[Clur · Rating 5 out of 5]

An accessible overview of why Trade Unions are so necessary. We should encourage people we know to read it.

[mel m · Rating 4 out of 5]

blew a bag at verso pt. 2. accessible and persuasive, guess I'm now a trade unionist

[Fee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes a bit moralistic but overal a good one.

[Curtis Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short, well written, and personable case for trade unionism.

[Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clear manifesto on the importance of trade unions in the fight for labor rights, as well as for social and economic justice.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an insightful introduction to the labour movement. Len shows that the unionised worker is a vital soldier in the battle for equality and fair treatment in the workplace.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring and pleasant read about trade union solidarity and the fight for fairness.

[Pushon Bhattacharya · Rating 4 out of 5]

A passionately argued and richly informative book on a subject that I knew shockingly little about.

[Lucas Bertholdi-Saad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite disconnected, and nothing groundbreaking, but it's short and readable.

[Tanzil Chowdhury · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I wasn't already a trade unionist, this book would have convinced me to become a trade unionist. You should read Why You Should be a Trade Unionist and then you should become a trade unionist.

[Jacob Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick and compelling case for why strong, member-driven trade unions matter. A good primer fro the unconvinced, and a nice pick me up for the already committed.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative about the importance and power of trade unions in our past and present

[Fran Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A joy to read!

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! Short, well-written, informative, helpful and hopeful.
If you've ever worked, yeah, you need to read this. If you end up not liking it, think again.

[James Renaghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Largely preaching to the choir, challenges within the labour movement across the water are mirrored here.