Public Employee Press

Media Beat

Labor rebel tells all:
The long fight for union democracy

Herman Benson, the founder of the Association for Union Democracy, celebrated his 90th birthday June 16 at DC 37, where he spoke about his new book, “Rebels, Reformers and Racketeers: How Insurgents Transformed the Labor Movement.”

Former Local 1930 President Ray Markey introduced Benson, who has been a labor activist for seven decades. “When people persevere, when people fighting for democracy are murdered, why don’t you hear about them?” Benson asked.

In his book, you do hear about them, from this insider’s passionate perspective. You read about the wave of insurgency that swept the labor movement beginning in the 1960s as reformers — in unions such as the Teamsters, Painters, Steelworkers and Miners — fought to strengthen democracy and wipe out corruption. You learn how decades of union democracy battles helped make possible the 1995 election of then-insurgent John Sweeney as head of the AFL-CIO.

In a discussion session after Benson’s talk, Laborers Local 924 President Kyle Simmons posed a question about the weakness of the labor movement:

“Is it because of a lack of democracy or because unions have lost sight of the fundamental purpose of unions?” he asked.

Benson stressed the importance of democracy, but also acknowledged that the decline is basically due to factors that unions don’t control, such as the political climate in America. “The Bush administration is fighting the labor movement tooth and nail, increasing the threat to workers’ organizations,” he said.

In labor’s current debate Benson argued that, “Anything that creates discussion within the movement is positive.” He encouraged people to read the book in this spirit — as part of the discussion that’s opened up in the labor movement and must continue (see 'Walkout weakens labor federation').

Despite a downpour and a violent lightning storm, the book talk drew over 100 members. The event was hosted by New York Public Library Guild Local 1930. “It’s appropriate that, as library workers, we sponsor these book talks for our members and the rest of DC 37,” said Local 1930 President Lynn Taylor.

— Jane LaTour