Labor Professor publishes new book on U.S. labor and foreign policy

(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — SEPTEMBER 3, 2024) Jeff Schuhrke, assistant professor, is publishing a new book with Verso Books. “Blue Collar Empire” offers insights into why and how unions today can, and should, weigh in on international issues through the history of unions’ involvement in U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War period.

“The book explores what are, in my opinion, some very dark and disturbing chapters in recent U.S. history, and what I think is the unfortunate role some U.S. unions played in creating a more unequal world,” Schuhrke said. “Though it is a difficult subject matter, I hope the book sparks some important discussions and critical reflection on issues of social and economic justice both in the United States and around the world.”

Schuhrke is an assistant professor in the Harry Van Arsdale School of Labor at Empire State University. He is often cited as an expert in news articles about the labor movement and union organizing; he has been quoted most recently in CounterPunch and Marketplace.

Schuhrke’s book expands on his prior research and dissertation. His interest in the subject was peaked hearing from people involved in the labor movement talk about how U.S. unions worked alongside the CIA to carry out controversial interventions overseas during the anticommunist movement. Schuhrke said those interventions often had detrimental impacts for working-class people.

“It’s a surprising and shocking thing to learn,” Schuhrke said. “I thought it merited a deeper investigation and study to find out why this happened, what it looked like, and what the consequences were. I did much of the research as part of my Ph.D. dissertation, looking through union documents at several archives around the country over many years, and also reading the handful of existing studies on the subject.”

Schuhrke said the book’s publication comes during a resurgence of the U.S. labor movement in recent years with an increase in workers forming unions and going on strike.

“It’s also relevant to anyone interested in U.S. foreign policy questions and debates, and what role the United States plays on the world stage amid wars, trade disputes, human rights abuses, immigration and climate change,” Schuhrke said.

“Blue Collar Empire” will be released on Sept. 24, 2024.