Make Bosses Pay
Why We Need Unions
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Pluto Press
Published:20th Sep '21
Should be back in stock very soon
This book explores the evolving role of unions in modern society, emphasizing the need for collective action among workers. Make Bosses Pay highlights inspiring examples of activism.
In Make Bosses Pay, Eve Livingston challenges the common perception that unions are outdated and irrelevant. As the world evolves rapidly, with workers facing the pressures of gig economies, exploitative contracts, and indifferent management, the book argues for the importance of union representation. It addresses the misconception that unions only serve older generations, particularly in traditional industries, by highlighting the diverse and dynamic nature of modern labor movements.
The author presents a compelling narrative that showcases the ongoing struggles and successes of workers today. By engaging with academics, experts, and grassroots organizers from various unions such as TUC, UNISON, ACORN, and IWGB, Make Bosses Pay illustrates how young workers are actively organizing for fairer workplaces. The book emphasizes the need to modernize unions to meet the challenges of the digital age, showcasing inspiring examples of activism from fast food strikes to climate change initiatives.
Livingston ultimately argues that collective action is vital for creating lasting change. She emphasizes that while workers need unions, unions also require the active participation of their members. Make Bosses Pay serves as a call to action, encouraging readers to rethink their relationship with unions and to join the movement for a more inclusive and representative labor landscape.
'An eloquent and accessible blend of history, theory, and practical advice, ‘Make Bosses Pay’ is essential reading for the new working class. I want to hand this book to every young person starting out in work, and to a surprisingly large number of union leaders as well'
-- Sarah Jaffe, author of 'Work Won't Love You Back' (Hurst, 2021)'The pandemic has proved once again that unions are indispensable. Eve's book is a brilliant primer for people wanting to find out more about the movement and why they should join. But she is also clear throughout that unions could be doing more and better, particularly for the young workers who need them so badly in today's unfair economy'
-- Frances O'Grady, General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC)'A brave manifesto for trade unions at a pivotal moment in our history, expressed through voices from the frontlines of that fight. Eve's bold vision sends a powerful message to any worker who feels disempowered and alone: that you are not alone, that you are a leader and that your time to lead is now'
-- Henry Chango Lopez, General Secretary, Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB)‘A call to arms for workers at the whim of apps, bad bosses and zero-hours contracts’
-- ‘i-D’‘As a beginner’s guide to the value of collective campaigning in the workplace, Make Bosses Pay makes a compelling argument that may motivate an otherwise demoralised labour force’
-- Sarah Manavis, ‘New Statesman’‘A hugely optimistic book … part persuasive primer on worker organisation, part galvanising argument for union modernisation’
-- Laura Waddell, ‘The Scotsman’‘Ambitious in scope, sophisticated in argument, and draws from thorough research, all of which Livingston makes lively and accessible through her sharp, lucid prose’
-- ‘Bella Caledonia’‘A manifesto for the power of collective action in the workforce’
-- Katie Goh, 'Huck'‘Searing … a forensic manifesto for unionism that advocates not just for what unions could be, but what they already are’
-- ‘The Skinny’‘Inspiring … an engaging and accessible primer on the necessity of working class power and how a union movement is capable of liberating all workers from capital’s relentless grip’
-- ‘Real Change NewISBN: 9780745341620
Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 12mm
Weight: 148g
160 pages