SOLIDARITY FOREVER - RETIRED PUBLIC EMPLOYEES AND THEIR UNION

This is a study of the influence of the policies and practices of a pu blic employee union on both long-time and recent members of a retiree chapter. Race and class are involved because of the union's activism i n interracial and social objectives and the membership composition of the union. Alternative theoretical perspectives are offered on why peo ple join unions, on black workers' participation in unions, and the qu estion of class consciousness among American workers. Long-time member ship in this chapter enabled the writer to supplement interviews with participant observation of membership and leadership roles, their asse ssment of union and national policies and both black and national poli tical leadership. Conclusions highlight the positive impact of the uni on's agenda while noting the legacy of institutional racism in respons es of some white members.