Although labor unions have faced a decline in membership in recent decades, they have not necessarily lost their political clout. The Unions and the Democrats illuminates the inner dynamics of labor's relationship to the American political system over the past generation. It examines organized labor from the Johnson administration through the 2000 elections, showing that labor's alliance with the Democratic Party has endured despite changes in the economy and the revival of conservatism.Drawing on extensive interviews with union leaders and lobbyists, Taylor E. Dark provides a historical perspective often lacking in studies of union political involvement. He compares the relationship of presidents Johnson, Carter, and Clinton with labor and analyzes cases of union involvement in legislative lobbying, executive decision-making, and both congressional and presidential elections.The book explores such topics as the effects of political reform on union power, the development of union legislative goals, and the impact of unions on economic policymaking, and also evaluates the controversy over union campaign spending in the 1996 elections. It demonstrates that labor's evolving alliance with the Democrats continues to shape America.
Taylor E. Dark was formerly Associate Dean of the Graduate School of American Studies at Doshisha University in Japan.
What People are Saying About This
Frances Fox Piven
It is widely said that the New Deal order has collapsed. Taylor Dark questions that wisdom with a judicious and well-informed portrait of the continuing collaboration of the unions with the Democratic party which was the hallmark of that order. An illuminating and chastening book, especially for those who think that labor's resurgence depends on an aggressive new labor politics.
Robert H. Zieger
Taylor Dark examines the theme of union declension and the presumed marginalization of organized labor as a political actor with insight and imagination. He makes a compelling case that organized labor has continued to operate with surprising effectiveness on the political and legislative front. His analysis of the changing character of the political system, especially with reference to legislation and policy development concerning organized labor's role, is particularly cogent.
David Plotke
Taylor Dark's book makes a valuable and original contribution to our understanding of contemporary American politics. Dark argues clearly and persuasively that despite all the claims about organized labor's decline, the unions remain an invaluable ally for the national Democratic Party.
