Rules to Win By: Participation and Power in Union Negotiations is a book for anyone who wants to understand how to build the power required to effectively challenge and reverse income inequality and attacks on democracy. Drawing insights from recent hard-won unionization and contract negotiation fights, Jane McAlevey and Abby Lawlor use lessons from some of the toughest fights today--preparing a durable, all-out strike in a union-hostile environment--to provide a masterclass in participatory social change, indispensable both within and beyond the workplaces where we spend half of our waking lives.In an era of polarization, big lies, and massive legislative setbacks, changemakers in every arena need to learn the skills and lessons honed in pitched battles against experienced and ruthless union busters. Rules to Win By is a book for workers, unionists, racial justice and climate campaigners, academics, policymakers and everyone who wants a more fair and democratic society.

Charts, Figures and TablesIntroduction: Negotiations as Democracy BuildingChapter One: Twenty Key Elements of High Participation NegotiationsChapter Two: Legal Rope-a-Dope (PASNAP)Chapter Three: A Punch in the Face (NJEA)Chapter Four: A Flood of First Contracts (NewsGuild-CWA)Chapter Five: Radical Roots (MNA)Chapter Six: The New Boss in Town (UNITE HERE Local 26)Chapter Seven: Hollow ApplauseConclusion: Participation in Negotiations Helps Build Governing PowerAppendicesReferences & InterviewsAcknowledgements