Labor Power and Strategy
Description
What would it take to topple Amazon? To change how health care works in America? To break up the media monopolies that have taken hold of our information and imaginations? How is it possible to organize those without hope working on the margins? In Labor Power and Strategy, legendary strategist, historian, and labor organizer John Womack, speaks directly to a new generation, providing rational, radical, experience-based perspectives that help target and run smart, strategic, effective campaigns in the working class.
In this sleek, practical, pocket inspiration, Womack lays out a timely plan for identifying chokepoints and taking advantage of supply chain issues in order to seize and build labor power and solidarity. Interviewed by Peter Olney of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union—Womack’s lively, illuminating thoughts are built upon by ten young labor organizers and educators, whose responses create a rich dialogue and open a space for joyful, achievable change. With stories of triumph that will bring readers to tears this back-pocket primer is an instant classic.
With contributions from Gene Bruskin, Carey Dall, Dan DiMaggio, Katy Fox-Hodess, Bill Fletcher Jr., Jane McAlevey, Jack Metzgar, Joel Ochoa, Melissa Shetler, and Rand Wilson.
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Persons
John Womack Jr. is the Robert Woods Bliss Professor of Latin American History and Economics, emeritus, at Harvard University. He served as chairman of the Department of History, 1982–85, and acting chairman, 1991–92. Born and raised in Norman, Oklahoma, he first joined a union, the International Laborers and Hod Carriers, while in high school, earning a union wage in summer construction work. He held his card until he graduated from college and went to work at The Louisville Times—then into graduate studies and later into academic work.
Content
Situating Womack – Glenn Perusek
The Womack Interviews – John Womack
Should Spartacus Have Organized the Roman Citizenry Rather Than the Slaves? – Bill Fletcher Jr.
Relaying These Insights is More Urgent Now than Ever – Dan DiMaggio
The Importance of Organization and Political and Community Context in the Exercise of Worker Power – Katy Fox Hodess
Organizing Strategic Workers on “The Seam” – Carey Dall
Associational Power, Too – Jack Metzgar
An Opinion in the Context of the Womack Interviews – Joel Ochoa
How to Read Womack – Jane McAlevey
Abandon the Banking Method – Melissa Shetler
32,000 Hogs and Not a Drop to Drink – Gene Bruskin
Reflections on Ten Comradely Responses to the Foundry Interviews – John Womack Jr.
Contributors
Acknowledgements