Overview

Although the relationship between social work and organized labor dates from the turn of the century, labor union membership has only been open to social workers since the late 1930s. Consequently, the relationship between the profession and the unions is still in its infancy. This volume presents a selection of essays that examine a variety of issues. Chapters examine the history of early social work and the labor unions, the common goals of the two institutions, social licensure, and reclassification. Additional essays address the compatibility of labor and social work, the relationship between the social work profession and labor relations law, issues of the social services workplace, and the implications of the privatization of social services for union organizing. Other relevant topics are also examined, including the implications of social service technology for union organizing, prospects for the future, and more theoretical and philosophic analyses of the subject.