© Columbia University Press
The Future of Organized Labor in American Politics
March, 2006
Cloth, 224 pages, 13 line drawings; 24 tables
ISBN: 978-0-231-13070-7
$45.50
/ £27.00
"A must read." — Marick F. Masters, Journal of Labor Research
"Francia’s book should be read by all." — Gerald Friedman, Labor History
"In a masterful analysis, Peter Francia answers one of the major puzzles of American labor union politics: the difference organized labor makes in elections. He demonstrates that the AFL-CIO under John Sweeney has used labor's money and people to far greater effect than his predecessors did. By intervening in competitive elections and lobbying forcefully, the AFL-CIO has exercised political influence. Nonetheless, despite increases in spending and mobilization, organized labor is no longer Big Labor, exercising countervailing power against Big Business. Francia offers useful suggestions about how to stem the decline in union density and, therefore, political clout. His words should be heeded and his suggestions addressed by all of us keen to ensure a fully democratic polity. " — Margaret Levi, University of Washington, author of Consent, Dissent, Patriotism
"Peter Francia has written a fine book that offers a comprehensive account of organized labor’s role in congressional politics. The book combines rigorous statistical analysis with an insider’s eye to politics, and the result is a book that is both important and accessible. Highly recommended for scholars and students of labor politics, interest groups, and congressional elections." — Clyde Wilcox, Georgetown University, coauthor of Onward Christian Soldiers: The Religious Right in American Politics