LABOR DAY 1995:  COULD THE U.S. LABOR MOVEMENT ONCE AGAIN
SET A FAIR-DEAL STANDARD FOR ALL AMERICANS?

           With the labor movement in a state of disarray and
decline, do unions have any hope of regaining some of the ability
they once had to better the lives of  millions of American workers?

	Revitalizing the labor movement will require more than a
peaceful settlement of the current fight for the AFL-CIO presidency;
but there are some definite steps U.S. trade union leaders could
take that might begin the task of winning new friends and raising
the standard of living of American workers, says University of
Virginia labor historian Nelson Lichtenstein, author of a
forthcoming biography of one of laborÕs heroes, former United Auto
Workers president Walter Reuther.  The study, titled ÒThe Most
Dangerous Man in Detroit: Walter Reuther and the Fate of American
Labor,Ó will be published this fall by Basic Books.

	In all industrialized countries a strong labor movement has
traditionally meant not only higher wages and benefits for union
members but has been Òa political force that promotes dignity on the
job for everyone,Ó asserts Lichtenstein, whose previous books
include ÒWho Built America?  Working People and the NationÕs
Economy, Politics, Culture and Society.Ó Gains made by trade unions
often set a standard for pay and fairness throughout their region;
and higher pay for low-wage workers boosts local economies, he
points out, adding that ÒAmericans need to banish some of their
cynicism about labor.Ó 

	A stronger U.S. labor movement could be in everyoneÕs
interest by helping solve a broader problem in the American
economy:  that real wages are stagnating for almost everyone, in the
midst of an apparent economic boom, Lichtenstein says.  ÒIt used to
be that higher wages went along with increased profitably and
growth, but that linkage has been broken,Ó he says.  ÒA stronger
labor movement could be part of the solution. Ó

	Among LichtensteinÕs prescriptions for improving the health
of labor unions as well as the economic well-being of all American
wage-earners:

	¥ Continuing its historical mission, labor needs once again
to help organize a largely immigrant working class at the bottom of
the wage scale and help give that group a sense of its rightful
economic and political citizenship.  ÒUltimately itÕs a moral
question,Ó he says.

	¥ The labor movement needs to be more confrontational with
leaders of both political parties and strive to become a voice for
all who are alienated from the political system.  Labor has nothing
to lose from challenging Òthe elites that now control both parties,Ó
he says.

	¥ Labor leaders need to do a better job organizing in
offices, factories and communities and especially in such widespread
low-wage workplaces as fast food outlets, computer assembly lines
and food processing plants.

	¥ Unions need to make an asset of AmericaÕs cultural
diversity; the American workforce is the most multi-racial in the
world, and almost half the workforce is now female, Lichtenstein
points out.

	¥ Unions must again define themselves as Òpolitically
independent organizations which challenge the pseudo-logic of the
untamed market with a set of deeper values that advance workplace
dignity, economic security and a democratic society.Ó 

	Regardless of who wins the fight for the AFL-CIO presidency
between current president Thomas R. Donahue and John J. Sweeney,
head of the Service Employees International Union, at the AFL-CIOÕs
October convention, the fight between rival slates and open debate
is good for the labor movement, Lichtenstein says.  ÒIt opens what
has long been seen as a monolithic institution to some fresh air.Ó

	For interviews Nelson Lichtenstein may be reached at (804)
924-6408 or 295-6769.

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August 28, 1995