The Future of Organized Labor in American Politics

by Francia, Peter L.

• ISBN13: 9780231130707
• ISBN10: 0231130708
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2006-03-01
• Publisher: Columbia Univ Pr

Summary

In 1995, promising a more active political presence for unions, John Sweeney was elected president of the AFL-CIO. Labor would develop a "new voice," one that could not be ignored or taken for granted by Democratic and Republican politicians. However, by the summer of 2005 opposition to Sweeney's leadership threatened to divide the labor movement.In The Future of Organized Labor in American Politics, Peter L. Francia discusses the effects of Sweeney's controversial tenure as president and assesses labor's influence on American political elections and legislation. Drawing on interviews with union and business leaders, as well as campaign-finance and public-opinion data, Francia argues that Sweeney has employed a more effective and expansive grassroots political operation than his predecessors. He challenges critics who dismiss Sweeney's efforts as a failure but cautions that the decline in union membership presents a serious crisis for the labor movement.When unions emphasize "grassroots" strategies they can effectively compete against the financial power of big business and can make a significant difference in congressional politics. Francia analyzes organized labor's political activities, its coalitions with other interest groups, and its influence on voter turnout, election results, and votes in Congress. He also examines the effects of Sweeney's embrace of progressive causes and labor's increasing willingness to challenge Democrats who vote against labor's interests.For all his successes, Sweeney's tenure has not been without its problems. Labor's presence in American politics is threatened by shrinking membership in unions. Francia suggests that if unions want to remain a viable political force in congressional politics, they must devote more resources to organizing workers.

Table of Contents

Preface	vii
Introduction	1	(20)
A Different Direction for Organized Labor?	21	(32)
Strength in Numbers: Organizing and Mobilizing Union Members	53	(26)
Countering Business: Union Campaigning in Congressional Elections	79	(26)
The Air War: The AFL-CIO Advertising Campaign	105	(14)
Laboring for a ``Working Family'' Agenda	119	(26)
Conclusion: The Significance of Union Renewal	145	(12)
Postscript: The 2004 Election	157	(6)
Appendix	163	(14)
Notes	177	(4)
References	181	(20)
Index	201

Excerpts

Read an excerpt from The Future of Organized Labor in American Politics