During the decade that followed World War II, American and British dockworkers undertook a series of militant revolts against their employers, their governments, and even their union leaderships. In this in-depth comparative study, Colin Davis explores the upheavals on both sides of the Atlantic.

Davis examines the dynamics of work and work stoppage along the two pivotal waterfronts, showing how issues of race, organized crime, union affiliation, working conditions, and Cold War politics shaped waterfront uprisings and the state's response to them. He explores other key differences between American and British labor, such as the cultural forces that led to the emergence of rank-and-file dockworkers' movements, degree of governmental oversight, methods of obtaining work, and specifics of ethnic and racial identification.

An eye-opening look at dockworker influence in postwar industry, Waterfront Revolts reveals how workers and trade unions directly influenced Cold War politics, the economy, and culture across national borders.

Comparitive examination of NYC and London's dockworkers rank-and-file union members movements t0 sucessfully challenged union hierarchy and nation-states.
Reviews
"In exploring the nature and content of the immediate postwar revolts against the limits on dockworkers in London and New York, Davis has written an enlightening study of their politics and the impact of their struggle."--Business History Review
"This book is a superb comparative study of the successes and failures of insurgent labor, and a tribute to the courage and determination of a militant rank and file. It is a timely reminder that the fight for democracy and human dignity is a constant struggle, both on the job and in everyday life."--Labor Studies Journal



Book Information
ISBN 9780252028786
Author Colin J. Davis
Format Hardback
Page Count 272
Imprint University of Illinois Press
Publisher University of Illinois Press
Weight(grams) 567g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 30mm