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Southern Organizing in the Post-Civil Rights Era: The Case of S. Lichtenberg

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  • Robert Bussel

Abstract

This case study examines the Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers' Union's successful 3-1/2-year effort (1988–91) to organize workers at S. Lichtenberg, a Georgia-based curtain manufacturer. The author uses archival research and extensive interviews with rank-and-file activists to determine why the union was able to triumph after earlier (1966 and 1971) failed attempts to organize. He finds that political changes in the post-civil rights South, the solidarity provided by race, gender, and religious identification, and the union's creative tactics coalesced in a winning strategy. The findings have significant implications not only for Southern organizing but also for the labor movement's renewed emphasis on attracting new members.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert Bussel, 1999. "Southern Organizing in the Post-Civil Rights Era: The Case of S. Lichtenberg," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 52(4), pages 528-538, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ilrrev:v:52:y:1999:i:4:p:528-538
    DOI: 10.1177/001979399905200402
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    References listed on IDEAS

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