We Always Had a Union

“Richman has provided the definitive study of the New York hotel workers’ unions. This brilliantly researched study deserves attention from any labor historian or student of the Left. Richman brings long-forgotten unions back to our attention and demonstrates why we must know this history today.”--Erik Loomis, author of A History of America in Ten Strikes “Richman convincingly shows that New York City was undeniably a union town. In the hotels and restaurants where the ruling class wined, dined, and slept, a large, militant, multiethnic, powerful, Communist-led union vied for dignity and power. This book is a testament to Richman’s dogged research, insights gained from years of experience with unions and politics, and deep knowledge of his hometown.”--Peter Cole, author of Dockworker Power: Race and Activism in Durban and the San Francisco Bay Area “A fascinating history of a powerful and militant union, We Always Had a Union couldn’t be coming out at a better moment. Richman’s deeply researched study is full of lessons for the new generation of young activists looking today to unionize the service sector and beyond.”--Eric Blanc, author of Red State Revolt: The Teachers’ Strike Wave and Working-Class Politics