This book investigates the complex interplay between union tactics and broader economic transformations throughout a significant historical period. Palmer, an established labor economist, draws upon extensive archival research and statistical data to analyze how organized labor's strategies have both responded to and shaped economic shifts. The central argument posits that union actions are not merely reactive but are integral forces driving structural changes in the economy, particularly concerning wages, employment, and industrial organization.

Gladys L. Palmer's "Union Tactics and Economic Change" is recognized as a significant contribution to the study of labor economics and industrial history. Scholars have noted its rigorous empirical approach and its detailed examination of the reciprocal relationship between organized labor and economic development. The work is often cited for its comprehensive scope, providing a foundational understanding of how union strategies have historically influenced and been influenced by economic forces.