Political Science

The above question can be addressed effectively by considering the milestones that have been made by American workers since the formation of a nation independent of the British crown. The successful Revolution in 1783 marked an important stage in the workers involvement in politics (Kim 1998, p.2). The establishment of a democratic republic motivated workers to actively push for the amendment in the constitution which guaranteed their fundamental freedoms and right. This was the first step in their active involvement in politics. However, not all issues that affected the working population were resolved. The unresolved issues formed a common basis for the formation of workers parties in various north-east cities during the 1829-1830 (Commons 1918, p.23). They also formed ground for workers strike in the 1830-s during the Industrial Revolution of the late 19th century and early 20th century, some of these issues provided for the formation of labor movement which not only advocated for the rights of workers on the job but also in the political realm.

    The problem of workers which was basically social demanded social action for legislative solutions to be established (Yates, 2009). There were two key points that constituted the political agenda of labor. These were the right to vote and the institution of a democratic society. Other key points included the right to a fair wage, the right to safety in the workplace, the right to dignity and respect by employers, the right to form associations and impartial treatment of all workers regardless of age, race, religion or gender. As it stands today, labor has made considerable political gains in these areas. The most notable ones were gained during the 1830s when the property qualifications on the right to vote was abolished and in 1965 when Voting Rights Act was passed as a result of pressure from labor.

    The above instances are a clear indication that labor is remarkable movement in pushing for political agenda. This entirely rests on the fact that a large percentage of the population comprises of workers. As such, labor has influenced the politics of the United States in the past seven decades in a major way. However, there is no unity among union workers in their political choices. According to Donald Beachler, a considerable number of white union members vote for Republicans (Beachler, 2007, p.313-314). He argues that this is because Republicans hold similar views with the workers on majority of social issues. However, Joel Rodgers and Ruy Teixera (2000) noted that union households tend to vote for the Democratic Party more than the rest of the population. They also note that the proportion of unions is declining in the workforce.

    However, despite labors massive political force, the major question regards whether the United States need a labor party. As mentioned, labor has realized remarkable political achievement even though there are numerous issues that have not been resolved. The question of whether America needs a labor party rests on whether the existing political parties have supported the plight of workers. According to Beachler, politicians often seek to exploit issue cleavages within the electorate for political advantage. (Beachler, 2007, p.312)

However, little has been done to address the workers needs which are harmed by globalization. The existing political parties have not protected workers against the changing working environment. In this regard, the survival of workers in America can only be guaranteed by a strong labor party. For instance, Ginsberg and Shifter (1991) observe that Democratic Party has emerged to be a party of social liberals who are not interested in the plight of the working class since 1961 (in Beachler, 2007, p.312).

    Geoffrey Garin and Guy Molyneux report a survey which indicates that seventy five percent of Americans agree that there is need for unions to invest their resources in politics and legislation in order to counter the influence that corporations and special interests have (Garin and Molyneux 1998, p.114). They also report that more union members would vote for a candidate supported by national unions and AFL-CIO and whose position on issues in pro-union. The only way that labor can find such a candidate is by forming a strong labor party and nominating a candidate of their own. The two major political parties in the United States, the Republican and Democratic parties, appear to have served the interest of the employers. Yates argues that democrats are dangerous to workers since they do not have a reputation for being friends of labor (Yates 2009, p.102). The Republican Party on the other hand does the bidding for employers once they are in office (ibid, p.103). As such, Yates argues that there is need for labor to develop its own independent politics which is strong regardless of the policies being furthered by either democrats or republicans.

    When seen from the perspective of workers, America indeed requires a labor party. The strategies that have been adopted by unions to champion the cause of workers have not often been supported by union members since they see unions to be pursuing insider strategy of attempting to gain influence through cultivating relations with particular candidates (Garin  Molyneux 1998, p.114). The general perception of members is that the political system is marred with corruption and general hostility to workers interests. This shows less interest in these strategies and thus needs an approach to political action that offers workers a voice in political debate. The current system obviously excludes them. It is also important to note that a great percentage of American population is composed of workers and their rights need to be seriously considered. Following the fact that democrats and republicans have their own interest, a third political party would result in a more engaged electorate and rigorous debate than the one that has been seen with two political parties.

Labors best strategies and tactics in todays political system
    There is a wide recognition that labor movement is not as strong politically as it was some decades ago. Unions have recognized that there is need to shift strategy for labor movements to have any significant influence on politics. The reduced influence of labor movement on politics is seen in its failure to get Al Gore elected to office in 2000 despite its mobilization effort (Clark 1998, p.52). Considerable challenges have also been posed to labor union with the current two party systems. Workers have especially been used by politicians who exploit issue cleavages for political advantage. It has also been observed that these parties have not done much to address the workers needs in the face of changing economic times. The democrats have particularly become a party of social liberals who are not primarily focused on working class issues (Ginsberg and Shefter 1991, p.89). The two parties have both allied themselves and serve the interest of employers (Yates 2009, p.102). In other words, the two parties are dangerous to workers.

    In line of the above concerns, there have been calls for labor to adopt strategies and tactics that may necessitate their survival in the current political system. There have even been calls for the establishment of an independent politics for it to revitalize its cause. In reaction to the above concerns and motivated by calls for an independent politics, labor has adopted various strategies. This paper will explore some of these strategies and tactics that have been adopted by this movement in order to establish more political influence for the sake of channeling its cause.

    There is wide recognition that unions need to invest their resources in politics and legislation if they are to counter the influence that corporations and wealthy special interests have (Garin and Molyneux 1998, p.114). Union members concur that the political engagement of the union is important since it is their responsibility to protect the rights of the workers and offer them a seat in political negotiations. Even though this need to strengthen the political position of labor is almost universal, the effectiveness of the political action programs advanced by the unions has raised concerns among the members. For the strategies to be effective, the members particularly acknowledge that they must be about them and their needs, and that political action must focus on member involvement and their enlightenment.

    The labor strategies and tactics have focused on these basic goals. This is because members have demanded more political information from their union. It is due to members who have recognized that knowledge is power and more information implies more informed choices. The response of unions has been to provide more information to workers. They have also conducted their politics in ways that include and empower their members (Garin  Molyneux, 1998, p.115). The unions have also ensured that members interest is at the heart of their decision-making. As such, labor has adopted strategies and tactics that are focused on addressing the desires and concerns expressed by members. They have adopted a model of labor politics based on the fundamental principles of empowering and educating working people.

    Labor has constructed their political action programs on issues. According to Garin and Molyneux (1998), issues should precede candidates and parties. Unions have increasingly informed their members on issues that they believe are important to the members and why they think these issues are important. This will invariably strengthen the political stake of unions since members are likely to speak with a single voice. The decreased political influence of labor has been attributed to low levels of knowledge on important issues. As such, sustained education has also been identified as important. Members have acknowledged that there is no way they can keep track of developments within the political and legislative realm. They also recognize that unions possess the expertise and resources to keep track of issues and make judgments in a way that the members cannot (Garin  Molyneux 1998, p. 116).

    Unions have also adopted an approach in which the concerns of specific audiences are addressed instead of relying on an umbrella approach. They have managed to approach their members through the various modern communication media. This approach has especially proven to be effective. They have categorized their members and provided relevant information for each particular group. Labor has recognized that addressing broad concerns of workers may result in the most powerful mobilizing issues being ignored (Bobson 1999, p.121). As such, remarkable results have been realized through the adoption of a more targeted approach.

    The above strategies have the potential of strengthening unions, reengaging members in politics. It will not only revitalize labors political action but also reshape American politics. These approaches have been adopted by unions as a way of reasserting their political influence. Since the adoption of these strategies and tactics, the rate of member turn-out and voting for pro-union candidates has improved remarkably. There is yet much that can be achieved by labor movement in their pursuance and adoption of strategies and tactics founded on the basic principles of empowering and informing their members. Labor has thus recognized that it can only offer working Americans a real political voice through adopting strategies that put their members on the main focus in their political advocacy.