What Is the Future of “Alt-Labor” Groups?

Abstract

Management Report for Nonunion OrganizationsVolume 40, Issue 5 p. 2-8 News What Is the Future of “Alt-Labor” Groups? First published: 10 April 2017 https://doi.org/10.1002/mare.30272Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Abstract Worker advocacy groups that aren't unions are often called alt-labor. They have the goal of improving working conditions, but more often through political and community pressure rather than through the usual path of National Labor Relations Board elections. Although their names and specific issues change, these groups are continuing to develop. Management views the so-called “independent” alt-labor groups as proxies for Big Labor, as a way for unions to gain information that can be used for more traditional organizing in industries such as food service, retail, and other largely nonunionized workforces. The largest and best known of these alt-labor groups, OUR Walmart and Fight for $15, were, in fact, funded by the nation's largest union, the Service Employees International Union. It has said it no longer funds OUR Walmart but is active in Fight for $15. Volume40, Issue5May 2017Pages 2-8 RelatedInformation