Which Side Are You On?

Thomas Geoghegan's 1991 memoir chronicles his experiences as a labor lawyer in Chicago during the decline of American unions in the 1970s and 1980s. His work with steelworkers at Wisconsin Steel forms the central narrative of this National Book Critics Circle Award nominee. The book documents the challenges faced by labor organizations during a period of major industrial changes and corporate restructuring. Through his firsthand accounts working with unions and rank-and-file members, Geoghegan provides an inside view of strikes, negotiations, and internal union politics. This memoir exists at the intersection of personal storytelling and labor history, combining legal insights with on-the-ground observations. The historical context spans from the heights of union power in mid-century America through the transformative economic shifts that reshaped American industry. The narrative ultimately raises fundamental questions about the role of organized labor in modern society and the future of worker representation in an increasingly globalized economy.

Readers describe this memoir as both a candid look at labor unions' decline and a personal account of being a labor lawyer in Chicago during the 1980s. Readers appreciate: - The humorous observations about union politics - Clear explanations of complex labor laws and history - Personal stories that humanize union workers - The author's self-deprecating style Common criticisms: - Meandering narrative structure - Too much focus on the author's personal life - Dated references (book published in 1991) - Limited perspective on unions outside Chicago Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (164 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (31 ratings) Representative review: "Geoghegan captures both the nobility and absurdity of the labor movement. He shows why unions matter while acknowledging their flaws and mistakes." - Goodreads reviewer Multiple readers note the book works better as a memoir than a comprehensive analysis of labor issues, though it provides insight into both.

There Is Power in a Union by Philip Dray Chronicles the complete history of American labor movements from the Industrial Revolution through modern times, providing context for the decline Geoghegan witnessed firsthand.

The Man Who Never Died by William M. Adler Tells the story of labor organizer Joe Hill through extensive research into his trial and execution, illuminating the early struggles that shaped the union movement Geoghegan later joined.

Out of This Furnace by Thomas Bell Follows three generations of Slovak immigrants working in Pennsylvania steel mills, depicting the industrial labor conditions that led to the union organizing Geoghegan later defended.

Working by Studs Terkel Presents oral histories from workers across America in the 1970s, capturing the same voices and perspectives Geoghegan encountered in his legal practice.

Striking Steel by Jack Metzgar Examines the 1959 steel strike through a steelworker's son's memories and historical analysis, complementing Geoghegan's account of the industry's later decline.

🔨 The book's title comes from a famous labor song written in 1931 by Florence Reece during a violent miners' strike in Harlan County, Kentucky 📚 Thomas Geoghegan has continued his advocacy through other influential books, including "Only One Thing Can Save Us" (2014) and "Were You Born on the Wrong Continent?" (2010) ⚖️ The Wisconsin Steel mill case described in the book became a landmark example of worker abandonment, as the mill closed suddenly in 1980, leaving 3,400 workers without jobs or pensions 🏭 South Deering, where much of the book takes place, was once one of Chicago's major industrial hubs, home to numerous steel mills and manufacturing plants that employed thousands 🗳️ Geoghegan later ran for Congress in 2009 in Illinois's 5th congressional district, following in the footsteps of many labor advocates who transitioned into politics