Galley mailing to reps, bookstores, media, and available on request • Author events • Promotion to labor unions and social justice groups • Social media influencer campaign to promote the book • Labor union bulk order promotion • Pitch reviews to Huffington Post, In These Times, Truthout, Mother Jones, Jacobin, and more
An essential primer for rebuilding a militant labor movement centered on solidarity with all workers.
Joe Burns is a well-known, well-respected radical labor organizer and author. His previous books have been widely read in labor education and organizing spaces across the country. His current connections to prominent labor leaders like Sara Nelson, President of the Association of Flight Attendants, will help to promote this book across important labor circles in the current period. The audience for this book includes the over 85,000 members of Democratic Socialists of America, the tens of thousands of subscribers to Jacobin Magazine as well as the many active union members across the country. This book will spark debate, discussion and conversation in these activist and organizer circles and these extensive Left networks coupled with a robust social media campaign will drive sales to both current Joe Burns' fans and a new generation of readers.
“"Joe Burns'' Class Struggle Unionism gives us a vision of what a labor movement should and could be. Burns reminds us that unions are about more than collective bargaining. When workers take collective action into their own hands they can change the political agenda and bring real power to the struggles for equality and a truly democratic society."--Kim Moody, author, On New Terrain: How Capital Is Shaping The Battleground of Class War "I love Burns'' book. He writes in a pugilistic style free of jargon, and provides a crisp and clear analysis of labor liberalism''s shortcomings. Already I''ve begun referring to myself as a ''class struggle unionist,'' and have been telling younger workers they have the privilege of getting to choose to build these types of unions."--Organizing Work review by Alex Riccio "How can we rekindle widespread working class militancy? And what should such militancy seek to achieve? In Class Struggle Unionism, Joe Burns makes the case that a combative, cohesive, and effective labor movement requires class-conscious unions expressly committed to challenging capitalist exploitation. Burns'' handbook will prove invaluable to organizers who recognize that taking on the ruling class must begin with an ideological reorientation of the labor movement."--Toni Gilpin, author, The Long Deep Grudge: A Story of Big Capital, Radical Labor, and Class War in the American Heartland "Joe Burn''s Class Struggle Unionism is a must read for any labor activists or any socialist concerned with the future of the US workers'' movement. He details that the ersatz social unionism of "labor liberalism"--with its abandonment of workplace organization and struggle, reliance on professional staff and alliances with the Democratic Party--is no alternative to the discredited "business unionism" that had dominated US labor since World War II. His alternative--a class struggle unionism that builds upon workplace confrontations to challenge capitalist exploitation and oppression across society--is crucial for labor militants today."--Charlie Post, editor Spectre: A Marxist Journal "I appreciate theories about union organizing and socialism but I always needed something I could carry back to work. Joe Burns did it again. He explains in prose as solid and precise as a toolmaker what class struggle unionism is, how it works, and how to implement a workable solution to the chronic failure of socialist organizing -- integration with the working class."--Gregg Shotwell, author, Autoworkers Under the Gun: A Shop-Floor View of the End of the American Dream "Joe Burns'' new book, Class Struggle Unionism, is both timely and urgently needed for young and new fighters emerging in the labor movement today. It''s also a must-read and for those union veterans who need a shot of adrenaline after many years. The labor movement is in mortal danger and the current leadership is adrift. The employers are gathering strength, and a day of reckoning approaches. It''s time to start winning again, and this book lays that out. Winning will come from disciplined efforts and adherence to proven formulas, not from employer schemes or panaceas dreamed-up by those far, far away from our reality. I commend it to all militants in the workplaces today trying to kick start our movement again."--Chris Townsend, organizing director, ATU International Union "Written in a very accessible fashion, this book provides a refreshingly bold, uncompromising and compelling reassertion of the value of the class struggle and need for a fundamentally different form of ''kick-ass'' fighting unionism to what we are accustomed to today within the labor movement. It deserves to become an A-Z guidebook for activists in helping to energize collective resistance."--Ralph Darlington, Emeritus Professor of Employment Relations, University of Salford "Can the union movement revive, or even survive, without winning more fights against corporate power? Joe Burns doesn''t think so. In Class Struggle Unionism, Burns makes the case for labor organizations that are militant, democratic, and membership oriented. Drawing on his own past experience in the public and private sector, Burns provides a road-map for union rebuilding that will increase bargaining and organizing success. His latest invaluable book is essential reading for rank-and-file activists, new and old."--Steve Early, author, Refinery Town and Civil Wars in US Labor "Class Struggle Unionism has arrived just in time. It is supremely relevant and cutting-edge smart, providing exactly what''s needed at a moment when our labor movement is finally regaining its footing after decades of flat-footed, directionless wandering. Joe Burns gives us a fresh take on why unions haven''t made gains for decades, arguing that it''s not just the greedy union-busting bosses who are to blame, but the loss of our unions'' commitment to the kind of struggle workers are capable of. Pursuing an ill-advised strategy of "labor liberalism" (the critique of which is the heart of Burns'' argument) from the 1980s on, he rails at unions that have tilted towards cooperation and away from confrontation, towards politicians and away from their own members, towards lobbying and away from shop floor battles, towards performance and away from reality. This, accompanied by a hollowing out of structures for member engagement and empowerment, has left unions top-heavy, bureaucratic, and scared of unleashing the fury that is seething at the base. It is this rage that we now see bubbling up in strikes (wildcat and sanctioned), in NO votes to defeat concessionary contracts, and in waves of new organizing. Workers and organizers rocking this side of the labor relationship are already demonstrating what Class Struggle Unionism teaches.Joe Burns thinks strategically like an organizer, brings the sweeping view of a historian, and writes so that workers, organizers, and allies can come away transformed by what he says. It is a book that reminds us why we have a labor movement, and what hell we can raise when we remember which side we''re on."--Ellen David Friedman, Labor Notes "Joe Burns'' Class Struggle Unionism provides a critical analysis of US unions. He develops a sustained critique of the dominant US union practices, namely Business Unionism and Labor-Liberal or Social Unionism - all of which are failing US workers.Building on his earlier books calling for the revival of strike action, he develops compelling arguments for an alternative class struggle unionism. He argues the case for militant tactics, sharp opposition to the billionaire capitalists, class winning strikes, challenging employer and state power, and organizing strategies for all sections of the working class. His analysis is applicable everywhere capitalism dominates despite differing histories and struggles.Joe Burns raises difficult questions about many of our past practices of grievance settlements, arbitration and enterprise bargaining. He argues against a social unionism organizing model, and labor reform with Democrat/Labor governments.Hot debates discussed in this book include moving away from class collaboration with employers; challenging repressive labor laws; and winning against capital''s union destroying agenda. Joe asks, how do workers undertake union change with anti-capitalist politics? How can class unionism be organised? What do socialists do?This book has application to working class struggles around the world. Young militant workers can be inspired and optimistic with these arguments. This book shows we can address the challenges of class struggle unionism, which are capable of defeating our ruling classes. Our organizing task is historic, necessary and urgent in today''s capitalist domination, exploitation and ecological crisis."--Chris White, former Secretary of the United Trades and Labor Council of South Australia”
"There is nothing more essential for the resurgence of the labor movement than cutting through the racial, social, gender and political divisions driven by the corporate class to deny working class power and keep workers in competition with each other. Class Struggle Unionism not only defines the urgency of our common struggle, it's a textbook on how to organize around our common demands right where we work in order to build a movement strong enough to realize an inclusive economy and thriving democracy. This is required reading for these times, and required consciousness for our labor movement at all times." —Sara Nelson, International President of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO“Anyone trying to rebuild an effective U.S. labor movement needs to read Class Struggle Unionism by Joe Burns. He lays out the fundamental principles that UE has tried to uphold for the last 85 years. For a union to be worthwhile to the working class, it needs to know which side it is on and it has to recognize that the fight itself is what allows workers to gain the knowledge and power they need.”—Carl Rosen, General President, United Electrical Workers (UE)“Joe Burns’ Class Struggle Unionism gives us a vision of what a labor movement should and could be. Burns reminds us that unions are about more than collective bargaining. When workers take collective action into their own hands, they can change the political agenda and bring real power to the struggles for equality and a truly democratic society.”—Kim Moody, author, On New Terrain: How Capital Is Shaping The Battleground of Class War “What will reignite the labor movement? Beyond organizing techniques, Class Struggle Unionism argues that a revival would require a grounding in class struggle ideology and organizing to name and confront the power of capital. Burns draws out why this has gone missing from labor, the steps to bring it back, and the solidarity and power it will build. Read it. Share it. Put the movement back in the labor movement.”—Barbara Madeloni, Labor Notes, former president Massachusetts Teachers Association“Class Struggle Unionism has arrived just in time. It is supremely relevant and cutting-edge smart, providing exactly what's needed at a moment when our labor movement is finally regaining its footing after decades of flat-footed, directionless wandering. Joe Burns thinks strategically like an organizer, brings the sweeping view of a historian, and writes so that workers, organizers, and allies can come away transformed by what he says. It is a book that reminds us why we have a labor movement, and what hell we can raise when we remember which side we're on.”—Ellen David Friedman, Labor Notes“How can we rekindle widespread working class militancy? And what should such militancy seek to achieve? In Class Struggle Unionism, Joe Burns makes the case that a combative, cohesive, and effective labor movement requires class-conscious unions expressly committed to challenging capitalist exploitation. Burns' handbook will prove invaluable to organizers who recognize that taking on the ruling class must begin with an ideological reorientation of the labor movement.”—Toni Gilpin, author, The Long Deep Grudge: A Story of Big Capital, Radical Labor, and Class War in the American Heartland“Joe Burns’ Class Struggle Unionism is a must read for any labor activists or socialists concerned with the future of the US workers’ movement. He details that the ersatz social unionism of “labor liberalism”—with its abandonment of workplace organization and struggle, and reliance on professional staff and alliances with the Democratic Party—is no alternative to the discredited “business unionism” that had dominated US labor since World War II. His alternative—a class struggle unionism that builds upon workplace confrontations to challenge capitalist exploitation and oppression across society—is crucial for labor militants today.”—Charlie Post, editor Spectre: A Marxist Journal “The notion of ‘class struggle unionism’ sounds like ‘duh’ until you realize how widespread is the idea that some force can save workers other than workers themselves—in Class Struggle Unionism, Joe Burns has coined the great phrase 'labor liberalism,' and makes clear why the labor movement can't survive without committing to fighting the bosses and thinking big.”—Jane Slaughter, Labor Notes“Workers and bosses have conflicting interests. Workers build power in the workplace. Unions need to strike to win. Strikes need to shut down the company. These are basic ideas that built the labor movement, but they have fallen out of favor in recent years. In this bracing call to action, Joe Burns calls for a revival of class struggle unionism, showing why it’s the only hope for rebuilding the labor movement and creating a better world.”—Barry Eidlin, McGill University“I appreciate theories about union organizing and socialism but I always needed something I could carry back to work. Joe Burns did it again. He explains in prose as solid and precise as a toolmaker what class struggle unionism is, how it works, and how to implement a workable solution to the chronic failure of socialist organizing: integration with the working class.”—Gregg Shotwell, author, Autoworkers Under the Gun: A Shop-Floor View of the End of the American Dream“Joe Burns’ new book, Class Struggle Unionism, is both timely and urgently needed for young and new fighters emerging in the labor movement today. It’s also a must-read for those union veterans who need a shot of adrenaline after many years. Winning will come from disciplined efforts and adherence to proven formulas, not from employer schemes or panaceas dreamed up by those far, far away from our reality. I commend it to all militants in the workplaces today trying to kick-start our movement again.”—Chris Townsend, organizing director, ATU International Union“With the public's and particularly young people's growing support for unions, Joe Burns has written an easy-to-read and insightful contribution. Class Struggle Unionism clarifies the different approaches to labor organizing and contract campaigns, staff roles and responsibilities, and most importantly, different philosophies of labor's vision and mission. Burns' prescriptions for the labor movement's revitalization build on his own years of practical experience. Anyone who aspires to be a union leader or organizer should read this book!”—Rand Wilson, former national organizer, Labor for Bernie“Written in a very accessible fashion, this book provides a refreshingly bold, uncompromising, and compelling reassertion of the value of the class struggle and need for a form of ‘kick-ass’-fighting-unionism, fundamentally different from what we are accustomed to today within the labor movement. It deserves to become an A-Z guidebook for activists in helping to energize collective resistance.”—Ralph Darlington, Emeritus Professor of Employment Relations, University of Salford"Can the union movement revive, or even survive, without winning more fights against corporate power? Joe Burns doesn’t think so. In Class Struggle Unionism, Burns makes the case for labor organizations that are militant, democratic, and membership-oriented. Drawing on his own past experience in the public and private sector, Burns provides a road map for union-rebuilding that will increase bargaining and organizing success. His latest invaluable book is essential reading for rank-and-file activists, new and old."—Steve Early, author, Refinery Town and Civil Wars in US Labor“Joe Burns’ Class Struggle Unionism has application to working class struggles around the world. This book shows we can address the challenges of class struggle unionism, which are capable of defeating our ruling classes. Our organizing task is historic, necessary, and urgent in today’s capitalist domination, exploitation, and ecological crisis.”—Chris White, former Secretary of the United Trades and Labor Council of South Australia"In Class Struggle Unionism, Joe Burns makes an impassioned argument for a militant labor movement. He covers a great deal of ground in this highly readable volume that challenges contemporary unions to step out of their complacency to build a more just and equitable world. "—Tom Juravich, Professor of Labor Studies, University of Massachusetts Amherst“In this new book, Class Struggle Unionism, written and published just as pundits and labor activists are hailing the resurgence of strikes, militancy, and new organizing, Joe Burns fires a well-aimed volley across the bow of ‘business unionism’ and ‘labor liberalism,’ insisting that ‘class struggle unionism’ provides a path leading not only to the revival of the labor movement but also to the transformation of the American working class into a cohesive force for social change. Class Struggle Unionism is certain to become part of the brewing debates among labor activists, scholars, socialist theorists, and union supporters as we seek to learn from history, think critically about the present, and envision a brighter future.”—Peter Rachleff, Co-Executive Director, East Side Freedom Library, St. Paul, Minnesota“How are we going to build a movement that can occupy plants, violate injunctions and pick the big, audacious fights that can galvanize millions of workers? Joe Burns shows how only a movement grounded in a clear understanding of the struggle between workers and bosses can figure this out. We don’t need more labor-management partnership, better tactics or more polished messaging. We need a labor movement that stands for militant struggle, member control, anti-racism and political independence - and isn’t afraid to say it. Joe Burns offers some of the vital tools we’ll need to get there.”—Mark Meinster, Director of Organization, United Electrical Workers (UE)
Joe Burns is a veteran union negotiator and labor lawyer with over 25 years experience negotiating labor agreements. He is currently the Director of Collective Bargaining for the Association of Flight Attendants, CWA. He graduated from the New York University School of Law. Prior to law school he worked in a public sector hospital and was president of his AFSCME Local. He is the author of Strike Back: Rediscovering Militant Tactics to Fight the Attacks on Public Employee Unions and Reviving the Strike: How Working People Can Regain Power and Transform America.
Joe Burns is a well-known, well-respected radical labor organizer and author. His previous books have been widely read in labor education and organizing spaces across the country. His current connections to prominent labor leaders like Sara Nelson, President of the Association of Flight Attendants, will help to promote this book across important labor circles in the current period. The audience for this book includes the over 85,000 members of Democratic Socialists of America, the tens of thousands of subscribers to Jacobin Magazine as well as the many active union members across the country. This book will spark debate, discussion and conversation in these activist and organizer circles and these extensive Left networks coupled with a robust social media campaign will drive sales to both current Joe Burns' fans and a new generation of readers.
This item is eligible for simple returns within 30 days of delivery. Return shipping is the responsibility of the customer. See our returns policy for further details.
