Is There a Crisis in the American Trade-Union Movement? Yes

Abstract

The American trade-union movement reached a high plateau of growth and achievement in 1956. Since then, it has made few significant gains and, in some areas, has slipped back. Although the fact of the survival of unions is not in doubt, the quality of that survival is in serious ques tion. The union-movement crisis is one of uncertainty and conflict over what must be done—if anything—toward resum ing the dynamism and militancy of the 1930's and early 1940's, directed into new channels. The crisis is a conflict between the insistence that things be done as they always have been and the emphasis upon flexibility in forms and structure, updating recruiting techniques, rejuvenating leadership, and reasserting the basic purpose of organized labor. So far, there is little evidence that labor is prepared to make the evolutionary changes required to meet the different and pressing challenges of today. That is the problem, not the increasing role of gov ernment in industrial relations or public impatience with the effects of union activities or pressure from tougher, more resist ant employers. The first problem is to reawaken the fighting interest of members and to stop the breakaway of new workers from unionism. The second problem is working out a success ful approach to white-collar and technical employees. The re quirements are self-analysis, self-criticism, and action.—Ed.