Stewart Acuff discusses his new book at a signing in Duluth. Photo by Jessica Hayssen

Acuff welcomed the crowd and told the group why he and co-author Richard Levins wrote the book. "We wrote the book to appeal to people who are upset about the economy, angry at corporations, and don\'t know what to do about it."

Acuff is chief of staff for the Utility Workers Union of America and is a former union organizer and president of the Atlanta AFL-CIO. He served as organizing director for the national AFL-CIO from 2001 to 2008, leading the federation\'s campaign to pass the Employee Free Choice Act.

Levins is professor emeritus of applied economics at the University of Minnesota and the author of Middle Class Union Made.

Their book systematically describes how the elite has manipulated the America people and the economy, and shows the inequity of income and power in America, then, in kitchen table language, lays out solutions. A short read, the book is meant to be accessible to all people.

The Duluth stop was the first on a Minnesota tour. On Sunday, Acuff was a guest at the Mankato Area Labor Picnic. He also will sign books Monday at 7:30 p.m. at Common Good Books in St. Paul.

Jessica Hayssen is field coordinator at the Minnesota AFL-CIO.