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Who’s Got the Power: The Resurgence of American Unions
An essential and timely guide to the changing landscape of the labor movement, from a veteran labor organizer
At the most inspiring moment for American unions in our lifetimes, Who’s Got the Power? takes readers on a journey through the resurgence of the American labor movement in the wake of a pandemic that changed everything. In the first two decades of the twenty-first century, unions seemed to be fading into history, with representation shrinking to levels unseen in over a hundred years. But the pandemic didn’t just disrupt the workplace; it reignited a movement.
Longtime organizer and labor historian Dave Kamper details how labor reemerged with newfound strength, as workers across industries, from warehouses to classrooms, began to question the status quo and demand more from their employers. Interviewing workers and labor leaders across the country, Kamper captures the stories of those on the front lines, from Frito-Lay workers in Kansas and Chicago teachers, to Amazon warehouse employees in New York and Detroit auto workers, offering a compelling account of how, in industry after industry, workers realized they held the power to reshape the terms of their employment. Strikes, protests, and bold negotiations signaled the rise of a more coordinated effort to reclaim control over working conditions, and Kamper provides a front-row seat to a new wave of labor activism that isn’t just about wages and benefits—it’s about dignity and solidarity.
An up-to-the-minute look at a brand-new phenomenon, Who’s Got the Power? is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the seismic changes in American labor today.
At the most inspiring moment for American unions in our lifetimes, Who’s Got the Power? takes readers on a journey through the resurgence of the American labor movement in the wake of a pandemic that changed everything. In the first two decades of the twenty-first century, unions seemed to be fading into history, with representation shrinking to levels unseen in over a hundred years. But the pandemic didn’t just disrupt the workplace; it reignited a movement.
Longtime organizer and labor historian Dave Kamper details how labor reemerged with newfound strength, as workers across industries, from warehouses to classrooms, began to question the status quo and demand more from their employers. Interviewing workers and labor leaders across the country, Kamper captures the stories of those on the front lines, from Frito-Lay workers in Kansas and Chicago teachers, to Amazon warehouse employees in New York and Detroit auto workers, offering a compelling account of how, in industry after industry, workers realized they held the power to reshape the terms of their employment. Strikes, protests, and bold negotiations signaled the rise of a more coordinated effort to reclaim control over working conditions, and Kamper provides a front-row seat to a new wave of labor activism that isn’t just about wages and benefits—it’s about dignity and solidarity.
An up-to-the-minute look at a brand-new phenomenon, Who’s Got the Power? is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the seismic changes in American labor today.
- GenresHistory
224 pages, Hardcover
Published October 14, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
March 4, 2026
The People Have The Power ✊️
Kamper's book was full of interesting history, inspiring stories, and peeks behind the curtain of what really happens at contract negotiations. Many times during my reading, I felt like I was just talking with an old friend, which made this easy to read. As a union member for the last 25 years, I really appreciated his unvarnished evaluation of "the union"... he shared the great wins that unions and their members have fought for, and also some terrible missteps and the problems caused when the people in power succeed in dividing us using class, gender, religion and race. With the current political climate, it's hard to feel optimistic about the future, but I am walking away from this book inspired, hopeful, and ready to work harder to organize and fight for a better future for us all. Solidarity forever.
Kamper's book was full of interesting history, inspiring stories, and peeks behind the curtain of what really happens at contract negotiations. Many times during my reading, I felt like I was just talking with an old friend, which made this easy to read. As a union member for the last 25 years, I really appreciated his unvarnished evaluation of "the union"... he shared the great wins that unions and their members have fought for, and also some terrible missteps and the problems caused when the people in power succeed in dividing us using class, gender, religion and race. With the current political climate, it's hard to feel optimistic about the future, but I am walking away from this book inspired, hopeful, and ready to work harder to organize and fight for a better future for us all. Solidarity forever.
January 29, 2026
I wanted more from this book, but Kamper's concise writing still worked for its purposes.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews