Fighting for Jobs

This book examines the struggle of unions and communities to save jobs in plant-closing situations in the 1980s. The unusual depth of the research allows the reader to grasp the key factors affecting such battles in an era of industrial restructuring. It contains new insights into "early warning" signs, their recognition and importance; the role of labor-management relations in both shutdown decisions and efforts to save the plant; the importance of corporate structure and strategy; the part played by economic market factors; and the role of local government, both potential and actual. The book concludes with an analysis of the current trends affecting labor-community activism of this type.