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Myths Made in America
"They're Bankrupting Us!": And 20 Other Myths about Unions
From Wisconsin to Washington, DC, the claims are unions are responsible for budget deficits, and their members are overpaid and enjoy cushy benefits. The only way to save the American economy, pundits claim, is to weaken the labor movement, strip workers of collective bargaining rights, and champion private industry. In "They're Bankrupting Us!": And 20 Other Myths about Unions, labor leader Bill Fletcher Jr. makes sense of this debate as he unpacks the twenty-one myths most often cited by anti-union propagandists. Drawing on his experiences as a longtime labor activist and organizer, Fletcher traces the historical roots of these myths and provides an honest assessment of the missteps of the labor movement. He reveals many of labor's significant contributions, such as establishing the forty-hour work week and minimum wage, guaranteeing safe workplaces, and fighting for equity within the workforce. This timely, accessible, "warts and all" book argues, ultimately, that unions are necessary for democracy and ensure economic and social justice for all people.
232 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
24 people are currently reading
528 people want to read
About the author
Bill Fletcher Jr.
10 books24 followersBill Fletcher, Jr., is the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the International Labor Rights Forum, Executive Editor of The Black Commentator and founder of the Center for Labor Renewal. A longtime labor, racial justice and international activist, he is the immediate past president of TransAfrica Forum, a national non-profit organization organizing, educating and advocating for policies in favor of the peoples of Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America. Fletcher is also a founder of the Black Radical Congress and is a Senior Scholar for the Institute for Policy Studies in Washington, DC.
Fletcher is the co-author (with Fernando Gapasin) of Solidarity Divided, The Crisis in Organized Labor and A New Path Toward Social Justice (University of California Press). He was formerly the Vice President for International Trade Union Development Programs for the George Meany Center of the AFL-CIO. Prior the George Meany Center, Fletcher served as Education Director and later Assistant to the President of the AFL-CIO.
Fletcher got his start in the labor movement as a rank and file member of the Industrial Union of Marine and Shipbuilding Workers of America. Combining labor and community work, he was also involved in ongoing efforts to desegregate the Boston building trades. He later served in leadership and staff positions in District 65-United Auto Workers, National Postal Mail Handlers Union and Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
Fletcher is a graduate of Harvard University and has authored numerous articles and speaks widely on domestic and international topics, racial justice and labor issues.
Fletcher is the co-author (with Fernando Gapasin) of Solidarity Divided, The Crisis in Organized Labor and A New Path Toward Social Justice (University of California Press). He was formerly the Vice President for International Trade Union Development Programs for the George Meany Center of the AFL-CIO. Prior the George Meany Center, Fletcher served as Education Director and later Assistant to the President of the AFL-CIO.
Fletcher got his start in the labor movement as a rank and file member of the Industrial Union of Marine and Shipbuilding Workers of America. Combining labor and community work, he was also involved in ongoing efforts to desegregate the Boston building trades. He later served in leadership and staff positions in District 65-United Auto Workers, National Postal Mail Handlers Union and Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
Fletcher is a graduate of Harvard University and has authored numerous articles and speaks widely on domestic and international topics, racial justice and labor issues.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 16, 2021
I appreciate that the author also recognized flaws of unions in addition to tackling his myths. I had very little bankground knowledge, and for me it felt like there were a lot of tangents and I got confused as to how this related to the given myth (it probably didn't help that I was speed reading this to finish for book club)
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August 21, 2023
Cross-posted from BookWyrm, a decentralized social network for readers with no corporate funding.
Pretty good intro to organized labor in the US. Bill Fletcher Jr. challenges myths that range from "unions are all racist" and "unions either ignore immigrants or the rest of us" to "unions and corporations are both too big and don't really care about the worker" by reframing the myth/question, scrutinizing how terms are defined, stressing the power imbalance between workers and corporations/the employer class, examining the roles of public policy and corporate funding, and providing examples from US labor history. Fletcher does not shy away from times that unions have been problematic, but also, since this book is short and introductory, it doesn't go deep into nuanced arguments. It would be great to see an updated edition since this book came out in 2012, so it doesn't cover how the landscape around independent contracting/misclassification has changed, or the ways that anti-union propaganda has evolved in response to the boom in organizing by young people over the past couple of years.
Pretty good intro to organized labor in the US. Bill Fletcher Jr. challenges myths that range from "unions are all racist" and "unions either ignore immigrants or the rest of us" to "unions and corporations are both too big and don't really care about the worker" by reframing the myth/question, scrutinizing how terms are defined, stressing the power imbalance between workers and corporations/the employer class, examining the roles of public policy and corporate funding, and providing examples from US labor history. Fletcher does not shy away from times that unions have been problematic, but also, since this book is short and introductory, it doesn't go deep into nuanced arguments. It would be great to see an updated edition since this book came out in 2012, so it doesn't cover how the landscape around independent contracting/misclassification has changed, or the ways that anti-union propaganda has evolved in response to the boom in organizing by young people over the past couple of years.
July 23, 2017
Accessible and well-organized, "20 Myths" outlines and debunks common arguments heard against unions. Fletcher is not uncritical of unions--as he notes, "unions have all the weaknesses of most institutions in this society" (including sometimes reflecting the prejudices of a time, or having the same proneness to leadership abuse), but at the same time "they also have the strengths that come from their potential as democratic organizations of working people." Those who fault unions as uniquely culpable tend to be those who (surprise) would like to see them destroyed because they have a monetary/power interest in that outcome. Unions can be transactional or transformational, depending on their leadership and membership, and in order to survive in the face of increased attacks, they must, according to Fletcher, recommit to solidarity, be creative in organizing strategies and tactics, organize the unemployed, partner with groups working toward the same ends of economic/social/racial justice, and think and act globally as well as locally.
September 8, 2012
This book provides a comprehensive overview of the history of the union movement in the United States, with a critical look at organized labor's traditional support for the status quo, including the Democratic Party (as opposed to a labor party). Though Fletcher's book is not a panacea for the widespread abrogation of workers' rights, it does send a message that resonates; organized labor needs to focus on a) solidarity between unions, as well as unions with other social movements b) recruitment of ordinary people, not in a specific bargaining unit, to be affiliated union members in a way that is meaningful and productive. Fletcher's style is conversational; his tone pragmatic.
November 14, 2012
I'm not a union guy. Mainly because I'd heard several of the "myths" presented in this book growing up, and because unions that I've been compelled to join throughout my life have been particularly ineffectual.
But this book is really good. It successfully tears down a lot of the untruths that are out there, and additionally points out that some of the beliefs about unions (such as corruption) do exist on some level (and that is intolerable.)
This book would be recommendable for you (or someone you know) especially if they/you are politically conservative but also open-minded and receptive to other viewpoints.
But this book is really good. It successfully tears down a lot of the untruths that are out there, and additionally points out that some of the beliefs about unions (such as corruption) do exist on some level (and that is intolerable.)
This book would be recommendable for you (or someone you know) especially if they/you are politically conservative but also open-minded and receptive to other viewpoints.
December 20, 2019
Considering a few things:
1) the overwhelming concern for identity politics in our current leftist landscape
2) the relative weakened position of the current union movement
3) the problems of racism and sexism that have plagued unions for many decades
4) the lack of and deflating radical influence in the labor movement
This book is an important read. It is easy, comprehensive, and informative. And it is essential to collective power.
1) the overwhelming concern for identity politics in our current leftist landscape
2) the relative weakened position of the current union movement
3) the problems of racism and sexism that have plagued unions for many decades
4) the lack of and deflating radical influence in the labor movement
This book is an important read. It is easy, comprehensive, and informative. And it is essential to collective power.
March 5, 2021
It is clear the author is passionate about the subject matter. I found it refreshing to hear the self criticism but I feel the caricature of the owner class he portrays is about as bad as the converse media portrayal of unions as bullies. All in all I found much of the information interesting and useful about the challenges to unionize. I also do believe this is america centric but as I am american it was very relevant to myself.
November 20, 2012
In the spirit of full disclosure I received this book as part of Goodreads First Reads. This has not influenced my review in any way.
Being a resident of a state where unions have become a focus for folks far and wide I really wanted to read this book so I could have some good solid facts that I could use when discussing unions with others. It certainly does have a lot of great information in it, but there are some things I think could have been done better. Although, I do acknowledge that the complicated nature of the subject matter probably had a lot to do with my issues with this book.
My first issue with this book is that the chapters are titled for the myths Fletcher intends to discuss, but I often found myself needing to refer back to try to remember what myth I was supposed to be reading about. The purpose of the chapters gets lost sometimes in Fletcher's efforts to provide as much information as possible about the history of unions. Perhaps a different format would have suited his writing style better.
My second issue with this book is that I could frequently think of arguments against what Fletcher was saying, and not because I disagree with unions. With books/articles/documentaries etc. like this I always like to try to think about what someone with the opposing viewpoint might think, or arguments they might make, and I found I often had many questions. There were a lot of gaps Fletcher left unfilled.
Overall I think this book has some great content for people who want to know more about unions. If someone just wants a good overview, this would probably do it. However, if someone wanted to be able to have a really in-depth debate about them then they would probably want to also read some other things.
Being a resident of a state where unions have become a focus for folks far and wide I really wanted to read this book so I could have some good solid facts that I could use when discussing unions with others. It certainly does have a lot of great information in it, but there are some things I think could have been done better. Although, I do acknowledge that the complicated nature of the subject matter probably had a lot to do with my issues with this book.
My first issue with this book is that the chapters are titled for the myths Fletcher intends to discuss, but I often found myself needing to refer back to try to remember what myth I was supposed to be reading about. The purpose of the chapters gets lost sometimes in Fletcher's efforts to provide as much information as possible about the history of unions. Perhaps a different format would have suited his writing style better.
My second issue with this book is that I could frequently think of arguments against what Fletcher was saying, and not because I disagree with unions. With books/articles/documentaries etc. like this I always like to try to think about what someone with the opposing viewpoint might think, or arguments they might make, and I found I often had many questions. There were a lot of gaps Fletcher left unfilled.
Overall I think this book has some great content for people who want to know more about unions. If someone just wants a good overview, this would probably do it. However, if someone wanted to be able to have a really in-depth debate about them then they would probably want to also read some other things.
June 25, 2018
Incredible and accessible guide to combating the most contrived arguments against unionization. Fletcher is a veteran labor militant whose experience and commitment to working people privets the foundation of this text. His method is straightforward, unflinching and quite convincing. Fletcher clearly knowns whose side he is on, but also he knows that unions are not beyond reproach. What is critical is that when he does critique unionization it is from an internal perspective that nonetheless affirms the reasons for and the logic of joining together that is to organize for workers power and democracy broadly defined. I would recommend this book to those with little to no knowledge of unions and organizing as well as to those already part of such a perspective because of how essential it is to organize and overthrow capitalism.
March 8, 2013
Why do people love myths more than facts? It's strange. This is a great read.
June 1, 2020
As the title suggests, this book attempts to explain 21 common myths associated with unions. It does not, however, make the point of proving them wrong, but offers insight into the myths.
As a mechanic in a union in public transportation, I am often appalled by the level of union bashing and anti-union rhetoric found in my work place. I never got it; it doesn't make any sense to me why someone would go out of their way and through the ropes to find a rare job that offers excellent benefits, a pension (what's that?) and very generous pay to only sit around and bash the union that protects them. I picked this book up in hopes of providing myself with enough ammo to speak up to these people when the timing is right. They seem to forget that with no union, we no longer get a pension, excellent benefits and very generous pay.
This book and and Phillip Drey's "There is Power in A Union" are must reads if you want to know more about the past and current state of labor in America.
As a mechanic in a union in public transportation, I am often appalled by the level of union bashing and anti-union rhetoric found in my work place. I never got it; it doesn't make any sense to me why someone would go out of their way and through the ropes to find a rare job that offers excellent benefits, a pension (what's that?) and very generous pay to only sit around and bash the union that protects them. I picked this book up in hopes of providing myself with enough ammo to speak up to these people when the timing is right. They seem to forget that with no union, we no longer get a pension, excellent benefits and very generous pay.
This book and and Phillip Drey's "There is Power in A Union" are must reads if you want to know more about the past and current state of labor in America.
November 25, 2024
A wonderful and well written introduction to labor unions and the prominent myths that surround them. Bill Fletcher Jr. expertly breaks down each of these myths and shows where the truth really lies. A must read for anyone interested in Unions or the labor movement.
April 19, 2020
An excellent primer on the importance of the labor movement in current times.
February 22, 2013
I received a free copy of this book from Goodreads
I always have been interested in the role that unions have played in our working history. I also had a great history teacher who was a big union supporter. I live next to a state that has watched their governor cuts their collective bargaining rights and the uproar that’s caused. As well as a long and drawn out strike in our state that seems will never end with Crystal Sugar.
The book is filled with a lot of great information and facts that I hadn’t read before. There was some history that I was familiar with but was enriched further by what was in this book. I’ve never considered the roll that unions played in social causes rather then just the basic working conditions. I thought the history of the unions in politics especially interesting. I always considered that Democrats were affiliated with unions because of the FDR presidency.
I would have liked to see a different format for the book. I didn’t care for the chapters being started with a myth, then Fletcher laying out his argument against it. I thought the arguments could have been easily made against the myths or opened more questions for me. I definitely enjoyed the book and I couldn’t really say what layout would have been a better fit.
I enjoyed the book once I sat down and read it but definitely would have like to see the book laid out in a different format.
I always have been interested in the role that unions have played in our working history. I also had a great history teacher who was a big union supporter. I live next to a state that has watched their governor cuts their collective bargaining rights and the uproar that’s caused. As well as a long and drawn out strike in our state that seems will never end with Crystal Sugar.
The book is filled with a lot of great information and facts that I hadn’t read before. There was some history that I was familiar with but was enriched further by what was in this book. I’ve never considered the roll that unions played in social causes rather then just the basic working conditions. I thought the history of the unions in politics especially interesting. I always considered that Democrats were affiliated with unions because of the FDR presidency.
I would have liked to see a different format for the book. I didn’t care for the chapters being started with a myth, then Fletcher laying out his argument against it. I thought the arguments could have been easily made against the myths or opened more questions for me. I definitely enjoyed the book and I couldn’t really say what layout would have been a better fit.
I enjoyed the book once I sat down and read it but definitely would have like to see the book laid out in a different format.
November 15, 2012
I received his book through a First Reads giveaway.
When I was growing up, my stepfather spent more time on strike than he spent working. This distorted my opinions on unions, and when I joined one in my early 20s, I was scared. His book really pit many of my fears to rest! So much of what people think is common, really isn't. We all seem to take the exception and make it he norm without even realizing it. This book definitely cleared up a lot for me.
I would recommend this to anyone joining a union hat is nervous about it.
When I was growing up, my stepfather spent more time on strike than he spent working. This distorted my opinions on unions, and when I joined one in my early 20s, I was scared. His book really pit many of my fears to rest! So much of what people think is common, really isn't. We all seem to take the exception and make it he norm without even realizing it. This book definitely cleared up a lot for me.
I would recommend this to anyone joining a union hat is nervous about it.
January 26, 2016
I read this as part of some research for a book I'm writing. I thought it offered great, easy-to-understand explanations of 21 of the most common myths about unions. I've heard many of these before growing up. It seemed to be well researched. It seems that unions and labor issues continue to be in the news, and this book has given me a nice foundation as to what unions actually do and how they function. I'd recommend it to anyone (especially right-wing and undecideds) needing basic info on unions.
November 1, 2015
Bill Fletcher blends history, current events, and personal commentary in this book about Unions and the Amerian worker. Excellent book whether you're a warrior against inequality or just like to learn more about unionism.
March 22, 2012
A lot about which to think. Definitely worth a read.
August 23, 2013
Important subject matter. Particularly the description of the impact of current employer employee relations on civil rights; freedom of assembly, speech, search and seizure, etc.
November 12, 2016
Not my favorite reading I had to do for a college class, but it did help my understanding of unions.
Want to read
January 12, 2017great read
December 13, 2013
Good info, boringly presented.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews