Rocking the Boat recognizes the strong, committed women who helped to build the American labor movement. Through the stories of eleven women from a wide range of backgrounds, we experience the turmoil, hardships, and accomplishments of thousands of other union women activists through the period spanning the Great Depression, the New Deal, World War II, the McCarthy era, the civil rights movement, and the women's movement.

Ch. 1. An Overview: And Not Falling Out Ch. 2. Equal Is Equal, Brothers: Lilian Herstein, American Federation of Teachers (1886-1983) Ch. 3. First a Troublemaker, Then a Troubleshooter: Carmen Lucia, United Hatters, Cap and Millinery Workers International Union (1902-1985) Ch. 4. You Can't Giddyup by Saying Whoa: Esther Peterson, Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America (1906- ) Ch. 5. We Did Change Some Attitudes: Maida Springer-Kemp, International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union (1910- ) Ch. 6. Forty Years I'm Secretary-Treasurer of the Local: Mary Callahan, International Union of Electrical Workers (1914-1981) Ch. 7. The Challenge Is Still There: Ah Quon McElrath, International Longshoremen's and Warehousemen's Union (1915- ) Ch. 8. Sometimes You Have to Rock the Boat: Dorothy Haener, United Auto Workers (1918- ) Ch. 9. The Vote Does Make a Difference: Fannie Allen Neal, Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America (1919-1990)