10.2190/2RTJ-8YDW-C459-T0UK 2RTJ8YDWC459T0UK 0 SOLIDARITY FOREVER: RETIRED PUBLIC EMPLOYEES AND THEIR UNION 20020509 20020509 20020509 20020509 http://baywood.metapress.com/link.asp?target=contribution&id=2RTJ8YDWC459T0UK 2 ABRAHAM MAKOFSKY This is a study of the influence of the policies and practices of a public employee union on both long-time and recent members of a retiree chapter. Race and class are involved because of the union's activism in interracial and social objectives and the membership composition of the union. Alternative theoretical perspectives are offered on why people join unions, on black workers' participation in unions, and the question of class consciousness among American workers. Long-time membership in this chapter enabled the writer to supplement interviews with participant observation of membership and leadership roles, their assessment of union and national policies and both black and national political leadership. Conclusions highlight the positive impact of the union's agenda while noting the legacy of institutional racism in responses of some white members.