Bill Fletcher, Jr.

I'm not a union guy. Mainly because I'd heard several of the "myths" presented in this book growing up, and because unions that I've been compelled to join throughout my life have been particularly ineffectual.

But this book is really good. It successfully tears down a lot of the untruths that are out there, and additionally points out that some of the beliefs about unions (such as corruption) do exist on some level (and that is intolerable.)

This book would be recommendable for you (or someone you know) especially if they/you are politically conservative but also open-minded and receptive to other viewpoints.… (més)

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the history of the union movement in the United States, with a critical look at organized labor's traditional support for the status quo, including the Democratic Party (as opposed to a labor party). Though Fletcher's book is not a panacea for the widespread abrogation of workers' rights, it does send a message that resonates; organized labor needs to focus on a) solidarity between unions, as well as unions with other social movements b) recruitment of ordinary people, not in a specific bargaining unit, to be affiliated union members in a way that is meaningful and productive. Fletcher's style is conversational; his tone pragmatic. My high school students would benefit from reading a chapter from this book, as few understand the dynamics of community and labor organizing. We need to teach our youth from an early age what it means to exercise their voice and their power.… (més)