Immigrant Workers and the Future of the US Labor Movement by Ruth Milkman - Book Report/Review Example

Ruth Milkman’s L.A. Story: Immigrant Workers and the Future of the U.S. Labor movement analysis Summary of the work RuthMilkman’s L.A. Story focuses on the US labor movement which in the recent years has been losing its prominence among different groups of people. The author is quick to question whether this movement can regain its prominence in the present day America despite the numerous challenges that the union has faced. In is in this light that the author advocates for union revitalization and suggests that the same should be embraced by lots of people not only the government. In the work the author argues that the USA labor organizations are entities that have endeavored to widen the gaps between the rich and the poor, as well as discriminate between the native workers and the foreign employee (Milkman 3). However, the author is also wary of the fact that de-unionization would simply create sweatshops scenarios in various sectors of the economy (Milkman 165). In this case, the author recommends reshaping of the union’s policies, what will see a novel approach to organization of the union and the unions will have space for all manners of workers despite their affiliation. The author also focuses on the transport sector, building and construction and janitorial services in Los Angeles as a good case study for innovation of the labor movement (Milkman 8). Los Angeles has been referred to as being fit for an analysis of the labor union functionality as there are huge numbers for working class individuals that incorporate immigrants from other parts of the country (Milkman 187). The same city has also had nasty responses from the workers who were fighting for abolition of the union (Milkman 77). This analysis will then analyze Milkman’s work by assessing the present niches in the union that facilitated the anti- labor movement- the internal factors, the importance of culture and identity in the movement and lastly, the tactics employed by the movement and whether they were successful or not. Factors that facilitated the workers’ anti- unionism movement Internal factors One of the major factors that led to the workers’ movement is the failure of the union to represent them. There is a clear difference between the conditions of the workers at the onset of the union and the change in the union with the years. As the author argues, Los Angeles was not alien to the labor union conflicts (Milkman 8). This can be evidenced from the first chapter where the AFL- Affiliate Building Service Employees’ International Union had recruited a lot of employees especially cleaners to its unionship (Milkman 27). A great percentage of these employees were natives and African Americans. At this particular time, the union provided ideal services to its members ranging from attractive fringe benefits and good working condition. However, the same was not to last as in the 1970s as times changed for the members. The employers in conjunction with the government were less focused on the social protection of their employees and the relationship between the employees and employers was not taken seriously (Milkman 60). Since the employers focused on reduction of the market risks, use of contracts to employ services, and poor wages, the workers generally became angry with this change in the provision of services by the union. The working conditions of the workers greatly deteriorated. Workers complained of not being compensated for the extra work they offered in the work place. These second-rate salaries were evidently exasperating, what would create a form of unity among the workers which would later create resistance from the workers both to the employers and the union. Internal factors -also influenced by external factors – facilitated the success of the anti-labor movement was boosted by the claim that immigrants were undocumented individuals and did not deserve services from the government. This marked the onset of the attack of the immigrant rights and the same was supported by a majority of the citizens in the country. Milkman notes that it is after these claims that there not only emerged threats to cause conflicts, but the occurrence of numerous clashes from the immigrants (89). The author gives an example of the Latinos that were active in staging protests that were among the notable cases in the history of USA (Milkman 126). Immigrants from California also joined in the protests for claims of under- representation (Milkman 36). Despite the fact that there were moves from the government to restore the situation, it is evident the unions did nothing much to fit the immigrants into the system. Milkman says that the labor movement was given the chance to extend her work in the provided electoral areas, but no reforms were seen as the entire process was politicized (29). A lot of divisions were evident from the legislators after 2005 where leaders were inclined to different sides of the business persons. Efforts begun to shift from AFL-CIO, and form the Change to Win (CTW) Federation, which focused on the side of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) (Milkman 190). These two unions functioned differently as CTW solely focused on immigrant workers while SEIU merged all workers ranging form textile to hotel workers (Milkman 176). These two unions could not function as one, as the CTW was evidently more vocal as opposed to the natives’ SEIU union. This difference led to dissatisfaction between the union members (Milkman 23). This conflict of interest can then be termed as a major factor that led to the anti-labor movement. Other factors like historic factors were instrumental in shaping the direction of the movement. This includes the spring demonstrations that set the base for the unity of the workers to fight for their rights (Milkman 173). The author admits to the fact that it is at this level that the workers saw the importance of reforming the labor movement (Milkman 190). Yet another historical contribution to the movement is the California event that saw an intrusion of the Asians, Latinos into California in the 1980s (Milkman 36). This created a regional campaign by the workers for their rights that was to later create a national outcry to heed to the rights of the workers. Political effects were also experienced as there were alliances between the Latinos and the labor unions that voices political influence not only in Los Angeles and the country at large. This led to electoral campaigns that strengthened the labor movement and its fight for its members’ plight. The Local Democratic Movement was established so as to have grass root mobilization of the immigrants in participating in citizenry activities like voting so as to strengthen their voice and place in the state (Milkman 152). This political contribution yielded to workers joining in campaigns that saw the government change the manner in which it registered its workers. Conclusively, it is arguable that the state played a crucial role in the movement, other groups such as immigrants and politicians support this movement, where they addresses the specific grievances of the mistreatment of the workers. Other movements were also helpful as discussed above, ad it is this collection of events that shaped the historical events of the famous anti-labor movement. Role of class, race and gender in the anti-labor movement From the work, it is evident that class, gender and race played a huge role in this movement. In relation to gender it is evident that women formed a good percentage of the workers in the industrial sector like in the textile industries. These women were instrumental in organizing the workers against the union (Milkman 41). It is through these movements by the women that led to the plight of the workers gaining recognition. For instance the issues touching on job security, wages and benefits were then highlighted. The movement comprised majorly on persons from the low economic status of the economy who were striving to succeed. It is fact that led to the successful fronts staged by these persons so as they can boost their economic status. This was enhanced by the inclusion of other races in the movement like the African Americans who contributed effectively to presenting their grievances to the government (Milkman 31). It is also through an inclusion of the races that made the plight of the worker a national issue as opposed to a racial issue. Analytical conclusion From the work, it is evident that the movement majored on demonstration and resistance to air their grievances. I would argue that though Milkman believes in the restructuring of the unions, the author gives very little information useful for the reformation. Her propositions also seem too general as she says that total restructuring of the unions would be useful. She also says that tactful leaders would be helpful in the unions, especially ones that had experiences in social movements. Funds, according to the author, would be useful in restructuring the union (Milkman 182). These propositions are seemingly too theoretical and might not be applied in the present day union settings. The demonstrations of the workers may also be termed as negative way of demonstration as it harms the economy despite the grievances may be having. However, it is important to note that Milkman advocates for the importance of unions in the economy. The unions fight for the rights of the workers. If only restructuring may take place, then the unions will be the perfect blueprint for representation of the workers. Work cited Milkman, Ruth. L.A. Story: Immigrant Workers and the Future of the U.S. Labor movement, New York: Russell Sage Foundation, 2006. Print. Read More