If you're not big enough to lose, you're not big enough to win.
Walter ReutherRead
There's a direct relationship between the ballot box and the bread box, and what the union fights for and wins at the bargaining table can be taken away in the legislative halls.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Political and economic power are interconnected, and gains achieved through union efforts can be lost through legislation.
This quote by Walter Reuther highlights the essential relationship between political influence and economic security. It suggests that while labor unions work hard at the bargaining table to secure rights and benefits for workers, those achievements can be vulnerable to changes in laws and legislation, emphasizing the need for continuous political engagement to protect what has been gained.
Themes
PoliticsUnionLegislationWorkers' RightsPower
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on labor rights at a community meeting.
More from Walter Reuther
All quotes →There is no power in the world that can stop the forward march of free men and women when they are joined in the solidarity of human brotherhood.
Walter ReutherRead
Labor is not fighting for a larger slice of the national pie-labor is fighting for a larger pie.
Walter ReutherRead
Similar quotes
The corporate lobby in Washington is basically designed to stifle all legislative activity on behalf of consumers.
Ralph NaderRead
When Bush says democracy, I often wonder what he's referring to.
Angela DavisRead
Iran has to live up to its international obligations. . . . The president has said that our patience is not unlimited.
Barack ObamaRead
I was surprised by the response of young people because there is a perception that those younger than the 1988 generation are not interested in politics.
Aung San Suu KyiRead
Whenever you put a man on the Supreme Court he ceases to be your friend.
Harry S. TrumanRead
It doesn't matter where we begin the personal/political circle, but it matters desperately that we complete it.
Gloria SteinemRead