PUBLIC EMPLOYEE UNIONS AND POLITICS IN AMERICAN CITIES

RUSSELL L. SMITH

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DOI: 10.2190/3M04-1NLG-XR2T-XC25

Abstract

Despite the theoretical and practical relevance of political action and the case study evidence of its existence and impacts, there have been few systematic efforts to focus on the variety and impacts of public sector union political activities across cities. Drawing upon data from a recent national survey of municipal labor relations, this article describes the types of political activities engaged in by unions and the correlates of such activities. Since the late 1960's and early 1970's, political activities appear to have declined overall. However, the repertoire of political tactics seems to have become somewhat more extensive; state-level lobbying has increased dramatically. Comprehensive labor relations legislation, a well-defined management team, and a mutually satisfying labor relations process (as evidenced by the absence of impasses and strikes/job actions) are associated with the lower levels of union political activities.

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