Beyond the bargaining table: historical foundations and practical analysis of labor–community coalitions and the evolution of social dialogue forms in the United States

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the historical background and practical dimensions of labor–community coalitions in the United States as an alternative institutional model of social dialogue. It addresses a pressing research problem—the decline in the effectiveness of traditional union mechanisms in post-industrial societies and the need to develop more flexible and inclusive forms of labor representation. The study argues that labor–community alliances, which merge the interests of workers and civil society actors, can significantly influence both public policy and corporate governance by establishing new, participatory formats for dialogue and collective action.

The article examines two emblematic case studies: the anti-sweatshop movement, which transformed localized labor conflicts into a global campaign for corporate accountability; and the California home-care worker organizing campaign, which united labor representatives and care recipients in a joint struggle for improved working conditions and service quality. The analysis focuses on practical strategies such as civic mobilization, ethical consumerism, university-based activism, engagement with human rights organizations, and local-level political advocacy. These coalitions are shown to empower workers in sectors marked by informality, precarity, and a lack of institutional protection, providing an avenue for democratic participation and social justice.

In addition, the article highlights the broader societal impact of such alliances, emphasizing their capacity to act as a bridge between marginalized labor groups and formal institutions of power. By channeling grassroots demands through institutional frameworks, labor–community coalitions foster new forms of solidarity, accountability, and collective agency. Their involvement in shaping economic, gender, and social equity agendas illustrates the adaptability of coalition-based models to contemporary challenges such as globalization, weakened state regulation, and labor market fragmentation. The findings are relevant not only for U.S. labor policy but also for transitional and developing countries seeking to modernize their systems of social dialogue and participatory governance.