These essays discuss the undermining of American trade union unity and cohesion in the period from the 1960's to the 1990's. The stasis that organised labour has suffered is examined via political, economic, and institutional conditions. Special emphasis is placed on the impact of international economic forces on domestic trade union actors, the disjuncture of interests of union officials and ordinary members, and on the role that these dynamics have played in shaping trade union politics. "Trade Union Politics" is written for scholars and trade union activists. Political scientists, sociologists, and students of post-war U.S. history will find its analysis of interest, and industrial relations specialists will be particularly intrigued by its unique perspective.

Author Biography

Glenn Perusek teaches political science at Albion College. Kent Worcester is Program Director at the Social Science Research Council.