The convergence of labor and public health: a natural and critical alliance.

The reorganization of a Labor Caucus in APHA provides an opportunity to reflect on the community of methods and interests between the public health and labor communities. The nature of both movements is examined and the factors (knowledge base, political will, and social strategy) that define the actions of both movements are addressed. The antagonism between the prevailing political dogma of market individualism and the two movements is also discussed, with special emphasis of the need for strong government involvement to support the functioning of both labor and public health. Important issues that currently affect labor and public health are discussed. Constructive disagreements on policy choices of labor on national health insurance and occupational safety and health are examined. A warm endorsement of a critical alliance of labor and public health is made, and the revitalization of a labor caucus is cordially welcomed.