A Primer on American Labor Law

There are many new realities confronting labor in the United States. Technology is redefining traditional employment, and globalization continues moving manufacturing as well as service jobs to lower-cost jurisdictions. This timely sixth edition discusses the recent political developments that impact American labor, as well as new court cases and the social and economic issues that American workers are confronting. For union and employer representatives and labor lawyers, alike this volume not only describes the labor law system briefly and clearly, but also attempts to further an understanding among workers, unions, and businesses in order to promote an improved working environment. Professor William B. Gould, IV brings to this work more than a half-century of experience as a practicing labor lawyer and academic, as well as practical exposure to the relationship between administrative agencies and the public.
The book is for non-lawyers, lawyers and foreign audiences with an interest in the American labor and discrimination system.
William B. Gould, IV is Charles A. Beardsley Professor of Law, Emeritus, at Stanford Law School. He was Chairman of the National Labor Relations Board (1994-98), Chairman of the California Agricultural Labor Relations Board (2014-17), and Independent Monitor for FirstGroup America from 2008-10. Professor Gould is a critically acclaimed author of ten books and more than sixty law review articles, and in 2011-12, he was Special Advisor to the Department of Housing and Urban Development on project labor agreements.
'A Primer on American Labor Law is an invaluable overview of labor law in the United States that is also readable and quite accessible to non-lawyers. We regularly commend it to our clients as well as to young attorneys who are novices in the field of labor law. Professor Gould IV has now updated his primer to review the extremely significant developments of the last five years, including last year's Supreme Court decision in the Janus case. Well worth reading for experienced labor law practitioners as well as for newcomers.' John Provost, Beeson, Tayer & Bodine
'Gould's latest A Primer on American Labor Law is a bible for union members, elected leaders and staff that explains the legal constraints and opportunities for almost every situation. Using this book before consulting with lawyers will make your conversations more productive and could save you some billable hours.' Craig Merrilees, International Longshore and Warehouse Union
'Professor Gould IV does it again. The sixth edition A Primer on American Labor Law, is a comprehensive, yet incredibly accessible exploration into the intricacies of American labor law. It covers everything - history, legal doctrine, policy and practical considerations! A must read for anyone interested in understanding the US workplace.' Rafael Gely, James E. Campbell Missouri Endowed Professor of Law, University of Missouri
'William B. Gould IV expertly informs analysis of how American labor law faces a crisis of indifference to the needs and interests of the workforce by drawing on his rich lifetime of experience in adjudicating and resolving labor disputes, advising policy makers, and studying the intricacies of labor law. The sixth edition of his Primer clarifies where the law is today, and provides clear and insightful signals of where it needs to go tomorrow.' Thomas A. Kochan, George M. Bunker Professor, Massachusetts Institute of Technology