Organizing Matters

Abstract

This manuscript began with the exploration of organizing practices in 2014.The conversion of the initial findings into a full-fledged manuscript was triggered by the International Association of Labour and Employment Relations (ILERA), which patiently supported me throughout the process.Their backing enabled me to extend the fieldwork from 2014 into a second round in 2018, adding perspective and depth to my attempt to understand the experience of organizing in selected countries.I would like to extend my gratitude first and foremost to all those informants who generously provided me their time and wisdom.Having promised them anonymity during the interviews -about which some cared but others didn't -I can only express my deepest appreciation in this general way.Informants hosted me at their homes, or I met them in their offices, onsite or at midnight in a bar after a long day of organizing.Often they promised me an hour and then spent many more with me, telling stories, contemplating, confiding and reflecting.In Israel, where my initial interest in the topic was sparked, organizers who attended my classes, students who graduated and became organizers, lawyers who consulted with me on legal responses to challenges, trade union officials disposed to making change and the workers on a picket line were all essential to developing this project.My own theoretical reflections would not have come to light without all these players in four countries, whose candid enthusiasm and concern made this a fascinating journey.I met Michael Crosby when I presented the framework I'd developed after the first round of interviews, and he shared his experience and extended his advice and encouragement.Hila Shamir, Matthew Finkin and Sanford Jacoby were particularly helpful and encouraging in the process of thinking out the findings after the first stage of the study, and their thoughts and comments shaped the shift from the early stages to this manuscript.

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