J. Albert Mann, author of Shift Happens: The History of Labor in the United States, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about her newly released book, and how she was inspired to write about the history of the labor movement. Mann discussed why the book is written for Young Adults (YA) and how they can use it to help them prepare for entering the workforce.
Born in New Jersey, Mann has become an award-winning author for young people and a disability activist. With a Masters in Fine Arts from Vermont College of Fine Arts, her work has won several awards. Today, June 4, her newest book, Shift Happens: The History of Labor in the United States, was released.
Shift Happens was written as a comprehensive look at the history of the labor movement and how it has helped shape America. As a YA author, Mann focused on making the book accessible to a younger generation. In the book, she discussed how labor history can be used as a teaching moment to hopefully prepare modern teens for some of the major issues they will face in the workplace. Mann said she hopes the book will help educate young readers on the true meaning of the labor movement and why workers, especially marginalized, blue-collar workers, have sought union representation.
Shift Happens begins long before the first labor unions, detailing the exploitations of people of color, children and the poor. Mann talked about the importance of detailing the labor movement from the beginning so that readers could learn the origin of the union movement. Mann covers the labor history up and through the Stand-Up Strike in 2023 by the United Autoworkers. Finally, she discussed the importance of having a leader like UAW President Shawn Fain and new Service Employees International Union President, April Verrett, and how their ability to speak to workers can motivate and organize the working class.
Listen to the show above to hear more from Mann about her new book, Shift Happens. If you would like to get a copy online but can’t reach a local bookstore like Mann suggested, please visit this link.