Ben Waber reviewed Labor's story in the United States by Philip Yale Nicholson (Labor in crisis)
An Incisive Critical History
5 stars
There are more recent books on US labor history, but with the caveat that this one stops in 2003 it provides one of the most incisive, rich analyses of this topic that I've read. Nicholson proceeds chronologically but makes sure to tie analytical themes and explore parallels across different time periods, continually hammering the point that labor action divorced from coordinated political action (and vice versa) tends to either lead to stagnation of working conditions and democratic rights on an outright reversion. As with any good labor history, this book shows how many of the working conditions we take for granted today were only gained due to fierce labor action against concerted pushback from industrialists. The concluding section is downright prophetic given our current moment. Highly recommend
There are more recent books on US labor history, but with the caveat that this one stops in 2003 it provides one of the most incisive, rich analyses of this topic that I've read. Nicholson proceeds chronologically but makes sure to tie analytical themes and explore parallels across different time periods, continually hammering the point that labor action divorced from coordinated political action (and vice versa) tends to either lead to stagnation of working conditions and democratic rights on an outright reversion. As with any good labor history, this book shows how many of the working conditions we take for granted today were only gained due to fierce labor action against concerted pushback from industrialists. The concluding section is downright prophetic given our current moment. Highly recommend