How can we change things in an age in which governments are fixated on the bottom line and conventional protest rallies have lost their punch? Coalitions can be important tools for social change and union revitalisation. What makes them successful? What causes them to fail? Community organiser Amanda Tattersall examines successful coalitions between unions and community organisations in three countries: the public education coalition in Sydney, Toronto's Ontario Health Coalition fighting to save universal health care, and Chicago's living wage campaign run by the Grassroots Collaborative. She explores when and how coalitions can be a powerful strategy for social change, organisational development and union renewal. Power in Coalition is essential reading for unionists, community activists, and anyone passionate about social change.

Author Biography

Amanda Tattersall is Deputy Assistant Secretary of Unions NSW and founder and Director of the Sydney Alliance. She is also co-founder and chair of GetUp and an Honorary Associate in Work and Organisational Studies at the University of Sydney.