Why Unions Matter

Using anecdotes, historical sketches, statistical charts and accessible analysis, Yates makes a case for the value of unions to workers' lives. Explaining the nuts and bolts of collective bargaining, he shows how unions are indispensable in the defence of workers' rights, economic security and the sense of dignity. Further, the author demonstrates how labour can become more effective. He outlines the most effective organizing strategies and he connects the decline in popularity and influence of the AFL-CIO to its accommodation to the federal government's aggressive anti-union moves under Reagan and Bush. As labour begins to stir, invigorated by a new generation of leadership and the success of the nationwide UPS strike, new challenges are rising. This overview explains the options for labour and their possible consequences. He prescribes a turn to a much tougher approach to organizing and arbitration, urges labour to unite with progressive social movements, from civil rights to arbitration, and calls for a rejection of the traditional backing from the Democratic Party, in favour of independent labour politics.