Title: The future of organized labor in American politics /
Authors: Francia, Peter L.
Publisher: Columbia University Press,
Year: 2006
Subjects: Labor unions United States Political activity.; Politics, Practical United States; Elections United States; Labor unions Political activity United States.
Abstract: "In The Future of Organized Labor in American Politics, Peter L. Francia discusses the effects of John Sweeney's controversial tenure as president of the AFL-CIO 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."--Jacket.
Contents: A different direction for organized labor? -- Strength in numbers: organizing and mobilizing union members -- Countering business: union campaigning in congressional elections -- The air war: the AFL-CIO advertising campaign -- Laboring for a "working family" agenda -- The significance of union renewal -- The 2004 election.