New Labor in New York: Precarious Workers and the Future of the Labor Movement

New Labor in New York examines organizing efforts and labor movements among low-wage and immigrant workers in New York City. Through case studies and research, the book documents various campaigns by taxi drivers, domestic workers, restaurant employees, and other precarious workers seeking to improve their conditions. The text presents interviews with organizers, workers, and union leaders involved in both successful and unsuccessful labor initiatives. It analyzes the strategies used by worker centers and other non-traditional labor organizations operating outside the conventional union framework. Contributors trace how demographic shifts and economic changes have transformed the nature of work and organizing in New York. The research spans multiple industries and communities, creating a comprehensive picture of contemporary labor activism in an urban setting. The book raises fundamental questions about the future of worker organizing and collective action in an era of increasing economic inequality. Its examination of innovative organizing models offers insights into potential paths forward for the American labor movement.

Readers find this academic collection offers detailed case studies of worker organizing efforts in New York, particularly among immigrant and low-wage workers. The book receives attention from labor scholars, organizers, and activists. Positive mentions: - Documents specific organizing strategies and tactics that succeeded - Provides data and research on worker center movements - Contributes new perspectives on alt-labor organizations - Balances academic analysis with accessible writing Critical points: - Some chapters are more technical/theoretical than others - Focus on NYC limits broader applicability - More historical context needed in certain sections Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (12 ratings) Amazon: 5/5 (2 ratings) Notable review: "A thorough examination of recent worker organizing innovations, though at times gets bogged down in academic language" - Labor Studies Journal reader review The book finds its audience primarily among labor researchers and organizers rather than general readers.

The Fight for Fifteen by David Rolf The rise of fast food worker organizing in 2012 presents a case study of new labor organizing tactics and coalition-building in the modern service economy.

Ghost Work by Mary L. Gray The book documents labor conditions and organizing possibilities among platform-based gig workers who perform hidden algorithmic tasks.

No Shortcuts by Jane McAlevey A comparative study of organizing models reveals strategies for building worker power in contemporary labor movements.

Temp by Louis Hyman The history of temporary work and the rise of the gig economy demonstrates how precarious labor became normalized in the American workplace.

Working-Class New York by Joshua Freeman A detailed examination of New York City labor history traces the transformation of worker organizing from industrial unions to service sector movements.

🔹 Ruth Milkman pioneered research on the changing labor conditions of immigrant workers in the United States, particularly focusing on their role in revitalizing American labor movements. 🔹 The book documents how non-traditional labor organizations, like the Taxi Workers Alliance and Domestic Workers United, have successfully organized workers who were previously considered "impossible to unionize." 🔹 Many of the worker centers and organizations featured in the book emerged during the 2008 financial crisis, when traditional unions were declining but alternative labor movements were growing. 🔹 The research reveals that immigrant workers in New York City often have higher rates of union participation than native-born workers, challenging common assumptions about immigrant labor organizing. 🔹 The book combines academic research with first-hand accounts from organizers and workers, documenting successful campaigns like the "Fight for $15" movement that began in New York and spread nationwide.