Unlikely Partners: Philanthropic Foundations and the Labor Movement

Richard Magat’s book meticulously chronicles the evolving and often complex relationship between labor unions and philanthropic foundations throughout the 20th century. It meticulously explores their interactions—ranging from supportive collaborations to confrontational stances—across crucial issues like research funding, worker rights advocacy, farm labor struggles, workplace safety, and global labor concerns. The book adeptly highlights both periods of conflict and strategic alliances, ultimately considering the potential for future partnerships between these distinct sectors in their shared pursuit of social change and worker well-being.