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Democracy is Power: Rebuilding Unions from the Bottom Up
Labor Studies, Pol. Science
- GenresLaborPoliticsNonfiction
262 pages, Paperback
Published March 1, 1999
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191 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 5, 2022
When I first picked up this book I had asked for help on organizing methods, and as a young activist didn't really get what this had to do with it! Parker is concerned here with how to reform unions into real instruments of working class power, as part of the general "Rank and File" strategy (think of Teamsters for a Democratic Union) of democratizing unions and orienting them toward a socialist horizon.
At this point coming back to it, its clear the ideas in this book have been super fundamental for several of my mentors in DSA and its really very useful in thinking about how to structure an activist organization and why internal democracy isn't just a principle to hold to but a fundamental part of being effective on a basic level. When what you have is people power, rather than capital or expertise, what you need is popular control.
At this point coming back to it, its clear the ideas in this book have been super fundamental for several of my mentors in DSA and its really very useful in thinking about how to structure an activist organization and why internal democracy isn't just a principle to hold to but a fundamental part of being effective on a basic level. When what you have is people power, rather than capital or expertise, what you need is popular control.
May 31, 2025
This is a must read for any union organizer in my opinion.
The book begins with establishing its conceptual framework: the true power of unions stem from the organization of its rank and file membership. And the rank and file will mobilize and exert power only when they feel ownership of their union. As such, democracy is essential for a powerful union.
Democracy does not mean that members won't get it wrong - however, the cost of making the "correct" decision now is greater than the benefit of allowing mistakes to be made if it means that workers will lose trust and agency in their union. Ultimately, the only thing that can push back against a receding and defensive labor movement is an active membership that has been inspired to go out and organize.
Union democracy is not about imposing the correct procedures from the top - it is a culture. Leadership can help foster that culture but it requires efforts and no shortcuts can be taken. Moreover, inclusion and diversity strengthens the democratic base of the union rather than being a threat to democracy - it broadens the support base to represent the entire diverse gamut of the working class.
The rest of the book focuses on providing guidance on how to foster a democratic culture and organize around reform. The book is replete with anecdotes from historical union organizing both against management and towards reform within the union and emphasizes how rank and file mobilizing has contributed powerfully to successful campaigns.
The book begins with establishing its conceptual framework: the true power of unions stem from the organization of its rank and file membership. And the rank and file will mobilize and exert power only when they feel ownership of their union. As such, democracy is essential for a powerful union.
Democracy does not mean that members won't get it wrong - however, the cost of making the "correct" decision now is greater than the benefit of allowing mistakes to be made if it means that workers will lose trust and agency in their union. Ultimately, the only thing that can push back against a receding and defensive labor movement is an active membership that has been inspired to go out and organize.
Union democracy is not about imposing the correct procedures from the top - it is a culture. Leadership can help foster that culture but it requires efforts and no shortcuts can be taken. Moreover, inclusion and diversity strengthens the democratic base of the union rather than being a threat to democracy - it broadens the support base to represent the entire diverse gamut of the working class.
The rest of the book focuses on providing guidance on how to foster a democratic culture and organize around reform. The book is replete with anecdotes from historical union organizing both against management and towards reform within the union and emphasizes how rank and file mobilizing has contributed powerfully to successful campaigns.
April 29, 2021
Calling all Union leaders and members!
The power of cooperation is the true power of a union. NO DOUBT! Union membership is the "real" House of Representatives as soon as members wake up and realize that Democracy is Power.
This book is a great reference whether you have 1 year or fifty years union seniority. Every union leader will find that they can relate to the topics presented covering everything from democratic unions to national level conventions. Then get educated about reform caucuses and Robert's Rules of Order. This reference covers it all and is a must own for your professional leadership & development library.
Learn about some of the barriers to the rank and file including but not limited to undemocratic rules, goon squads, and deals with management.
Packed with ideas on steam rolling APATHY in the ranks and informational tactics for productive membership meetings.
The power of cooperation is the true power of a union. NO DOUBT! Union membership is the "real" House of Representatives as soon as members wake up and realize that Democracy is Power.
This book is a great reference whether you have 1 year or fifty years union seniority. Every union leader will find that they can relate to the topics presented covering everything from democratic unions to national level conventions. Then get educated about reform caucuses and Robert's Rules of Order. This reference covers it all and is a must own for your professional leadership & development library.
Learn about some of the barriers to the rank and file including but not limited to undemocratic rules, goon squads, and deals with management.
Packed with ideas on steam rolling APATHY in the ranks and informational tactics for productive membership meetings.
September 15, 2019
Someone recommended I read this book for its relevance on building democratic culture within the (non-union) organization I’m devoting time and energy to. While there were definitely a lot of interesting case studies and stories, and some very useful information, it felt like a stretch to be applying it outside of a union context. That said I think that this would be a great read for anyone in the labor movement/working to reform an existing union.
July 13, 2025
Overall a useful book for what it is- very good intro for building union democracy. Union activists or organizers will need to learn to use their own judgement and adopt to their specific conditions. Additionally it certainly falls in the (imo flawed) politics (or lack thereof) of IS/Labor Notes. The sections dealing with race and other forms of oppression leave something to be desired.
June 8, 2024
Really informative book. This book gives advice to those in the labor movement looking to democratize their union. Definitely suggest for those looking to promote rank and file control within their organization!
May 2, 2021
Clear How-To reading for reform unionism. Exactly the role of VCORE, of which I’m a part. Hook, line, and sinker, I’m all in.
June 1, 2022
I strive to one day exist in (and more immediately, help build) a vibrant labor movement where everything in this book is common sense.
September 12, 2024
a must read if you're involved in any democratic or membership based organization
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews