Unlikely Partners: Philanthropic Foundations and the Labor Movement

"For too long, the labor movement and philanthropic foundations have had little contact, even when their guiding principles are the same. The time is ripe for a new national conversation on where and how they can effectively work together. Richard Magat's new book focuses on the relationship between unions and foundations--its history, its dynamics, and its potential. This is a relationship that can and should be enormously valuable for both sides."--John J. Sweeney, President, AFL-CIO

An investigation into the little-known history of relations between organized labor and philanthropic foundations in America, this book reveals curious connections linking these important institutions throughout the twentieth century. Richard Magat examines these relations--whether indirect or direct, confrontational, supportive, or collaborative--in a wide variety of areas: research, the condition and status of black and female workers, the struggle of farmworkers, workplace health and safety, the union democracy movement, and the stake of union members in the global marketplace.

Unlikely Partners begins with the industrial and social ferment in which the great modern foundations arose in the early twentieth century. It covers such topics as the Russell Sage Foundation (the first to address labor conditions), the National Civic Federation, and manifestations of "enlightened" business practice, including welfare capitalism. The book lays out areas of future community, fiscal, and policy collaboration between unions and foundations.