.OS AN'^'EI.ES COTJN'^" FF,DERATlCl>i CF
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Its past and
present and its
contributions to
the community
3LiOS -Ajngeles Ooijinty
FEDE&ATION of LABOR, AFL-CIO
of California
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OFFICERS
LOS ANGELES COUNTY FEDERATION OF LABOR
President
Irvin p. Mazzei
Anthony J. Bogdanowicz
John A. Cinquemani
Gerald J. Conway
Herbert C. Evetts
William J. Forrester
Robert H. Fox, Jr.
Lynn Fruit
Joseph Goren
Paul E. Greenwood
Robert L. Hanna
Harry J. Hennessy
Sam Hunegs
John J. Krosky
Henry Lacayo
Leonard Levy
James Martin
John W. Meritt
Vice Presidents
Executive Secretary-Treasurer
SiGMUND ArYWITZ
Leo S. Moore
Daniel J. Mundy
Gwen Newton
Ira L. Osborn
Clyde D. Ringwood
Robert W. Rivers
J. J. Rodriguez
Ben N. Scott
H. O'Neil Shanks
Edward T. Shedlock
George E. Smith
John Snider
Willard L. Sward
John Y. Tranchitella
John Ulenc
Charles W. Walker
WilHam Wheatlcy
Spencer Wiley
Researched and Written by
W. J. BASSETT
Secretary Emeritus
Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO
INFORMATION SOURCES:
1 . A Study of the History of the International Typographical Union.
2. Seventy Years of Life and Labor. Autobiography of Samuel
Gompers.
3. Labor in America by Foster Rhea Dulles.
4. Files of "Los Angeles Citizen."
5. "Minutes" of Los Angeles County Central Labor Council.
6. Golden Anniversary Book. Los Angeles County Central Labor
Council — October 1951.
7. Rise of Labor Movement in Los Angeles by Grace Heilman
Stimson.
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Published by
LOS ANGELES COUNTY FEDERATION OF LABOR, AFL-CIO
SIGMUND ARYWITZ
E.xecuthe
Secretary-Treasurer
2130 West Ninth Street
Los Angeles, California 90006
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OXFORD PRESS
"These are the times that try men's souls. The
summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in
this crisis, shrink from the service of his country
. . . Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered.
Yet, we have this consolation with us, the harder
the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What
we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; 'tis
dearness only that gives everything its value ... it
would be strange indeed if so celestial an article
as freedom would not be highly rated."
by Thomas Paine
during American Revolution
December 1776
Formation of
Traxie XJnions
iiTL -Ajm-eriosL
COLONIAL ERA
Local city central labor bodies throughout the history
of the United States have played an important and influen-
tial role. They were active in the colonies in gaining inde-
pendence from England. They were the nursery where the
seeds of unionism sprouted and grew into the national and
international trade union movement of today. They gave
leadership and influence in shaping the United States Con-
stitution and in obtaining advances, privileges and protec-
tion guaranteed to all citizens today.
Groups of colonial workers organized usually for a
single purpose, seldom for more than two issues. Most
prominent among these issues in most instances was wages
and the number of hours constituting a day's work.
The organizations were extremely short lived. The con-
cept of a continuing organization had not been developed
to a point where they could survive beyond the accomplish-
ments for which they were organized. In many cases they
died after the dramatics of the situation had cooled down,
even though their goals had not been achieved. Very early
these individual organizations of artisans and craftsmen
began to communicate and cooperate with each other,
thereby planting the seeds for the first city central labor
bodies.
Through such mutual cooperation the groups also recog-
nized they had other common interests not directly con-
cerned with matters of employment. They realized they
constituted the only voice and force in behalf of workers
capable of meeting the political and economic problems
with which they were faced. So their crusades often in-
cluded social and political matters as well as demands for
improvements in employment conditions.
AMERICAN REVOLUTION
The role of colonial tradesmen, artisans, and mechanics
was prominent in promoting the revolutionary cause, es-
pecially in Massachusetts. The labor organizations served
as a training ground to organize groups capable of func-
tioning with discipline. Many times when the ardor of
merchants and farmers resistance subsided and appeared
to reflect a willingness to compromise with England's dom-
ination, patriotism was again stimulated by these organized
workers. The most effective resistance party in Boston, led
by Samuel Adams (and branded as "Rabble" by the Brit-
ish), in large part was made up of wharfingers, shipwrights,
bricklayers, weavers, and tanners. The historical "Sons of
Liberty" was also recruited in large part from workers in
the docks and shipyards. The famous "Loyall Nine" which
instigated the mobs involved in the Boston Massacre and
the Boston Tea Party was composed of two distillers, two
braziers, a printer, a jeweler, a painter, and a ship captain.
The composition of resistant forces in other colonies during
the revolution was very similar to these groups operating
in Boston.
Some of the most prominent "statesmen" recorded in
early colonial history were recruited from the ranks of
artisans and craftsmen. Contrary to modern conception,
Benjamin Franklin did not own a print shop. He served
an apprenticeship in his brother's print shop and was active
among the craftsmen in Philadelphia. It was many years
later that he became manager. Paul Revere was a silver-
smith by trade and also volunteered among the artisans,
and few people realize that famous Carpenters Hall, where
the Declaration of Independence was drafted and signed,
was the Carpenters Union Hall.
1
CONTROLS THROUGH LAWS
The Colonies were governed by laws and edicts issued
by the British Government. They were therefore inclined
to govern themselves on all matters including economic
problems through laws and edicts.
In 1630 employers obtained legislation establishing a
wage ceiling in Massachusetts for carpenters, joiners, brick-
layers and other artisans. The law went so far as to pro-
hibit supplementing wages by gifts of wine or liquor and
provided for a 10-hour day and was eventually broadened
to cover all tradesmen and artisans. Laws of the day gov-
erning workers became so ridiculous they finally restricted
the clothing workers were allowed to wear: "We declare
our utter ditestation and dislike," the edict read, "that men
and women of mean condition should take upon them-
selves the garb of gentlemen." The ban included "wearing
gold or silver lace or buttons, or to work in boots, or
women of the same rank to wear silk or tiffany scarves,
which though allowable to persons of greater efforts or
more liberal education, we cannot but judge it intolerable
in persons of such lay conditions."
As a consequence organizations of workers followed the
same legislative pattern in combating restrictive labor legis-
lation as well as seeking improvements in wages or work-
ing conditions. A political organization known as the
"Caucus" was especially influential for a period of some
ten years. This organization was composed of shipyard
workers and other artisans. They met at the Ship Caulkers
union hall. It is said the secret meetings held at the Caulk-
ers hall evolved into the modern term "caucus" used for
secret meetings or small groups planning strategy.
cooperation at the city level continued to develop and ef-
forts were made to expand organization between cities.
This developed into ambitions of forming a national organ-
ization.
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
Differences in skills and the variations in nature of vari-
ous industries became increasingly apparent to the point
where the unions began to recognize the impossibility of
adjusting wages, hours and working conditions through
legislation. Efforts along these lines began to be recognized
as matters to be settled between the employers and the
workers. However, the organizations still pursued legisla-
tion to improve general social and civic problems, establish
public education, free textbooks, and to enact laws protect-
ing women and children in factories, industrial accident
compensation and safety, sanitation, mechanics lien laws to
recover wages, abolition of imprisonment for debt, make
land available to workers through homestead laws, and
eliminating conspiracy laws which made unions illegal.
Very soon workers learned that all too often they were
used as pawns by politicians during campaigns only to
have their programs and objectives discarded after elec-
tions were over. As a consequence, the unions began to
develop a policy of refusing to subordinate themselves to
any political party and adopted a system of only supporting
candidates pledged to support legislation needed to protect
working men and women irrespective of party affiliations.
Following this policy and cautiously aligning themselves
with other groups interested in the same accomplishments
eventually assisted them in obtaining their objectives.
POLITICAL INFLUENCE OF UNIONS
Political activity on the part of workers' organizations
had an important influence on the rights and privileges
granted to all Americans today under the Constitution.
Colonial constitutional conventions were composed of land
owners, merchants and farmers. They mistrusted working
men who did not own property, therefore when the United
States Constitution was finally completed workers who did
not own property had no voting rights, and great emphasis
was placed on property rights.
Organizations of workers led the drive for the adoption
of the Bill of Rights which today is recognized as the most
important segment of the U.S. Constitution in guaranteeing
freedom and personal rights and dignity for every Ameri-
can.
Following the revolution, unions became more sophisti-
cated through their endeavors to keep pace with the expan-
sion of the country, with its rapidly growing industries,
new mechanical methods, complications of urban life
through crowded cities and life in tenements. Inter-union
NATIONAL FEDERATION
By 1831 the local central labor body groups for the first
time realized their ambition for a national trade union
organization by bringing the central labor bodies of Phila-
delphia, New York, and the New England states into one
organization which lasted until the depression of 1837.
During these years, through the activities of the city central
labor bodies, local unions of specific crafts began to join
together to form international or national craft unions.
Even though organizations were still forced to disband
during depressions or other adverse periods, they would
again reorganize, and continued to develop ways and
means of becoming stronger until they finally advanced to
the point where the American Federation of Labor was
organized in 1886, founded on the policies and principles
developed through the experiences of the early central
labor bodies.
The activities of these early unions contributed substan-
tially to make the United States a better place in which
to live. Their efforts also guided the initial development of
the strong trade union movement of today.
tlxe X_jos -A.ngeles Story
The history of the labor movement in Los Angeles fol-
lowed a similar pattern to that of the eastern seaboard, with
local unions being organized to live for a short time and
then die either due to depressions or from a lack of neces-
sary experience to survive after an issue had been accomp-
lished or during periods when the members no longer had
heart to carry on.
The first union of any significance was Los Angeles
Local 44 of the National Typographical Union which was
chartered in September 1859 but was disbanded again in
about one year. However, during the following decade
other crafts were encouraged to attempt organization. In
1874 the printers again organized into Typographical
Local 1 74 which is still in existence today.
In 1884, six locals — Printers, Carpenters, Plasterers,
Painters, Bricklayers, and Tailors joined together to form
the first central labor body. It was short lived, but workers
were inspired to the point where in 1885 new locals were
started by the cooks and waiters, iron moulders, hack driv-
ers, furniture workers, hodcarriers, pressmen, lathers, stone
cutters, musicians, bakers, and clerks. Many of these were
again wiped out by the depression of 1887.
FIRST STRIKE
Under the auspices of the American Federation of Labor,
an Eight Hour League was formed in 1889 which was
successful in influencing the city council to adopt an 8-hour
law for all public works. Following this success, the print-
ing trades had the first strike held in Los Angeles when
they struck the Express, the Herald, the Tribune, and the
Times. The Express, Herald, and Tribune signed contracts
for an 8-hour day after a short work stoppage. But the
Times refused and publicly announced its intention to vio-
late union wage scales and hours.
Samuel Gompers visited Los Angeles in 1891 to coor-
dinate an 8-hour movement among all crafts. Following
his activities the Cigar Makers and building tradesmen also
obtained the 8-hour day previously accomplished by the
printing trades.
CENTRAL LABOR COUNCIL
In 1894 the first Central Trades Council, affiliated with
the American Federation of Labor, was organized. The
Council operated independently of political parties and
officially endorsed candidates or supported issues irrespec-
North Main Street in the 188U's. OITices of first (.ciur.tl 1 laUcs Council uuic
located in this area in 1884.
Samuel Gompers, President of
the American Federation of
Labor, came to Los Angeles in
1891 to activate the 8-hour
movement.
The building of the Union Labor Bureau, jointly operated by Central Labor
Council and Building Trades Council, 1901.
THE W^ORKMAN.
TaLaKcML
The Worknuin — a union newspaper — April
7, 1892, issue containing article announcing
"settlement" of Typographical Union
strike against the Times. General Otis
agreed to settle strike at the insistence of
Mr. D. A. Hamburger, owner of Peoples
Store, an important advertiser. In a
short time Otis broke the agreement
and the strike continued.
LOS AJtOELES. TUVttSDAT. APSU. 7. UOS.
. mmaauimm ADJDSTED. ,='^^-"-"
COIMEBGIAL :-: ALLIANCE :^- :j
A€lCaBYSTCiiE&YTHI PECfLI ASP-ORThf FECrtE gTJptlBili OBIOB
READ THIS!
Rl^t nice Sttm,
Evening Express where printers won the
first successful strike in Los Angeles in 1885
when the publisher attempted to
reduce wages.
First building of Los Angeles Examiner. William Randolph Hearst,
Sr., was urged by the unions to establish the newspaper in Los
Angeles. Unions staged a huge welcoming parade on the first day
of publication.
Ti/ncs building lollowing bombing in 1910. Reports following ex-
plosion stated that the amount of dynamite would not have caused
such extensive damage; gas leakage in the plant created a greater
explosion.
live of political party affiliations or interests and immedi-
ately banded together to fight anti-labor legislation fostered
by the Los Angeles Times. However, due to the depression
of 1896 to 1897 the Central Trades Council, Building
Trades Council, and Allied Printing Trades Council found
it necessary to merge into one Labor Bureau until 1901
when the Central Labor Council was again reorganized and
received a new charter from the American Federation of
Labor thereby forming the organization which has oper-
ated continuously since that date and now constitutes the
Los Angeles County Federation of Labor.
CRUSADE TO CRUSH UNIONS
Beginning with the printing trades strike in 1884, Har-
rison Grey Otis, publisher of the Los Angeles Times, led
an unending crusade against labor and by 1896, under Los
Angeles Times' leadership, the merchants were organized
into a Merchants and Manufacturers Association. The
first act of the organization was to raise $25,000 for the
purpose of recruiting idle men and putting them to work
on low wage jobs. The activities led to jailing of strike
leaders and importation of strike breakers by the thou-
sands. From that date the open shop-low wage policy pre-
vailed in Los Angeles until the late 1930's when it was
overcome by successful city-wide organization of unions.
Despite the all out campaign of the Los Angeles Times
and the Merchants and Manufacturers to completely de-
stroy every union, workers continued to form organizations
in all occupations. And, like the early unions on the eastern
seaboard, the Los Angeles unionists also adopted a vigor-
ous program for social improvements. Proposals for legisla-
tion to safeguard the safety of women and children, and
to require healthful working conditions in factories was
launched. These activities years later were to lead to the
adoption of legislation for workmen's compensation, ap-
prentice regulations, child labor laws, and the 8-hour day
for women.
Much of the activity for laws governing employment
of women and children was inspired by the 1901 laundry
strike which was brought about as a result of women of
all ages being compelled to work 16 hours a day with-
out rest for a wage of less than 70c per day. In this dra-
matic struggle, the Bookbinders Union gave their entire
treasury of $420 to assist the striking laundry workers.
VICTORY SABOTAGED
In defiance to the arrogant attitude of the Merchants
and Manufacturers an ever increasing number of voters
joined with the unions in supporting candidates of their
choice and in defeating the "union busting" candidates sup-
ported by the Times and the Merchants and Manufactur-
ers, until 1910 when the labor endorsed candidate for
mayor drew several thousand more votes in the Primary
Election than the Times and Merchants and Manufacturers'
candidate. Nightly, thousands of people paraded through
Los Angeles in rallies for Job Harriman, the labor en-
Workers demanding California Governor Merrium to permit
W.P.A. Jobs instead of Dole in great depression of 1930's.
Demonstration at the garment center for jobs during depression
of 1930's.
Picket lines of International Ladies Garment Workers Union dur-
ing difficult 1933 strike.
"Hoover City" where homeless lived just outside Los Angeles city
limits during depression of 1930's.
Street car and bus drivers' strike in 1930's.
Unemployment relief payroll line at old Court House in Los
Angeles, October, 1933.
dorsed candidate, and it was generally conceded that he
would win the election overwhelmingly.
During the late hours of the night of October 1, 1910,
an explosion devastated the Times Building, killing 20
persons. Two brothers, J. B. McNamara and his brother,
of Indianapolis, were later arrested and charged with the
dynamiting. The McNamaras steadfastly denied their guilt
and funds were being raised nationally for their defense.
However, on the eve of the election the McNamaras sud-
denly pleaded guilty in return for a pledge of prison sen-
tences instead of the death penalty, and the stunned and
shocked citizens turned against the labor endorsed candi-
dates, soundly defeating them.
Two baffling aspects of this incident have never been
completely answered. The first was the fact that despite
the fact that no other persons in Los Angeles anticipated
the bombing incident. General Otis surprised everyone by
announcing he had secretly set up a print shop in a ware-
house and the Times did not lose an issue. The other was
the vigorous denial on part of the McNamara brothers
until almost the eve of the election when they admitted
guilt.
BLACKLISTING AND STRIKE-BREAKING
RENEWED
Neverthelss the plea of guilty entered by the McNamara
brothers gave the Times new material for its anti-union
crusade. Anti-labor sentiment was fanned to a white heat.
Employers renewed their blacklisting tactics with more
vigor than ever and union membership dropped to a new
low. In spite of the obstacles the Mailers obtained their
first Union Shop Contract in 1913. Unemployment of
blacklisted union members, coupled with slow business
trends placed the labor movement in a critical position
until the beginning of World War I.
The influence of the Merchants and Manufacturers As-
sociation was so strong that a United States Commission on
Industrial Relations in 1914 reported wages were 15c to
20c an hour below union towns; building tradesmen re-
ceived $1 to $2.50 per day less than San Francisco and
worked 9 and 10 hours a day instead of 8; teamsters
worked for $9 a week.
POLITICAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Paradoxically the year following the Times bombing
Hiram Johnson, who hated Otis and the Times with a
passion, was elected Governor of California and the trade
unionists reaped a harvest of labor legislation. Women won
the right to vote and the 8-hour day law for women — an
employers liability act compensating for death or injury to
workmen was adopted along with child labor laws pro-
hibiting night work and increasing minimum age to 15 —
establishment of free labor bureaus — compelling employ-
ers to pay wages in cash or negotiable checks at least once
a month. Political action was revived and the poll tax was
abolished.
Free textbooks for high schools were provided in 1917
along with improvements in laws regulating the employ-
ment of women and children. Safety regulations, sanitary
inspection, control of private employment agencies, and
improvements of workmen's compensation laws were also
added.
Increased union membership and the successful signing
of contracts continued until by the end of World War 1
and the union movement was again well established. Print-
ing Trades unions reported over 90% of the craftsmen
within the industry belonged to unions. However, the suc-
cess was short lived.
PROGRESS TURNED TO DEFEAT
In 1920, following World War I, the National Associa-
tion of Manufacturers and the United States Chamber of
Commerce launched its drive for its so called "American
Plan" which basically stood for refusal to recognize any
union regardless of the desires of the employees. An inten-
sive drive was launched in which the building trades, print-
ing trades, and metal trades unions were pushed into strikes
and again faced the strike-breakers. By 1923 labor spies,
blacklists and discriminatory practices in hiring workers
again held the upper hand. Unionists in many industries
had to hide their membership cards and meet in secret.
DEFIANCE OF U.S. LAWS
The Merchants and Manufacturers continually intro-
duced and caused legislation to be adopted forbidding
union activity, including picketing. By 1933, 200,000 un-
employed workers were registered on the books of the
County Employment Stabilization Bureau. Only 75 unions
were in good standing in the Central Labor Council and
the vast majority were being carried without payments.
Union wages fell to 30c and 40c per hour. Even after
the passage of the National Labor Relations Act blacklist-
ing, coercion, and refusal to recognize unions continued.
The La FoUette Investigating Committee of the United
States Senate, after holding hearings in Los Angeles, re-
ported the vicious attacks of the Merchants and Manufac-
turers on the trade union movement and asserted that the
Merchants and Manufacturers through the years had:
1. Formed company dominated unions.
2. Formed secret societies to spy on legitimate union
activities and break strikes.
3. Promoted back-to-work movements in order to
break strikes.
4. Spread propaganda for the "open shop."
5. Supplied guards and strike-breakers.
6. Advised employees not to join unions and to resign
from those they had joined.
7. Advised members of unions not to pay their dues.
8. Coerced employers into following the M and M
programs.
9. Formed employer associations which had employ-
ers sign agreements that they would never sign
union contracts under penalty of a $10,000 fine.
10. Assisted in forming subsidiary associations which
forged the names of citizens to fictitious member-
ship cards.
Douglas Aircraft strikers in county jail, February 1937.
Pacific Press strike in 1946. At one time during these years over |;
25 major strikes involving thousands of AFL and CIO union mem-
bers were in progress.
^
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i
f ■ ■
■ :
i
United Garment Workers picket line during post-World War II period.
Food contributed by Los Angeles union
members to Di Georgio strikes during post-
World Wa'r II period.
Delivery of food contributed by Los Angeles union members to the Delano grape ranch
strikers in 1965-66.
END OF BLACKLISTING
The Merchants and Manufacturers Association was
ordered to withdraw from its anti-union activities in the
middle 1930's and within the next few years the labor
movement increased from less than 15,000 members to
some 400,000 members by 1 940. Due to the national split
in the American Federation of Labor, the newly organized
national Congress of Industrial Organizations chartered the
Los Angeles CIO Council in May 1937, launching a suc-
cessful drive for CIO members especially in steel, auto-
mobile, rubber and aircraft industries. While organizing
was practically stopped in 1941 to 1945 during World War
II, the influx in population and war time expansion of
aircraft, shipyards, and other plants engaged in war pro-
duction created tremendous additional increases in union
membership.
During World War II organized labor performed an out-
standing job in recruiting and training men and women for
war time industries. However, in spite of this fact, in 1944,
in the middle of the war, the Merchants and Manufacturers
Association sponsored a ballot proposition calling for a
"Right-to- Work" law in a last ditch attempt to destroy the
trade union movement by outlawing union shop contracts.
All labor forces, as well as many organizations of employ-
ers joined together and soundly defeated this "union bust-
ing" legislation at the polls.
CRUSADE AGAINST UNIONS CRUSHED
Immediately following World War II membership again
started its rapid increase and organizing renewed to the
point where Los Angeles County today has almost 900,000
members. This gain in membership was in spite of renewed
employer resistance which was launched in an attempt to
follow the post World War I pattern by driving unions out
of Los Angeles again. Following World War II at one
period 25 strikes were in progress at the same time involv-
ing thousands of AFL and CIO members. Practically every
one of the strikes was settled successfully and the trade
union movement was at last secured on a solid foundation.
In 1958 a campaign was revived in California to restrict
or destroy legitimate trade unions. The National Right-to-
Work Committee again placed a proposal on the General
Election Ballot calling for "Right-to-Work" legislation. All
labor again rallied its forces. This time most employers
were intimidated into staying silent or in joining the drive
for the legislation. However, the unions successfully re-
cruited the support of the voters and the ballot proposition
was soundly defeated. Most of the candidates for office
who favored the adoption of "Right-to-Work" legislation
were overwhelmingly defeated, and a large number of the
incumbents who sponsored the "Right-to-Work" were
driven out of office in one of the biggest landslides of any
election in California history.
This victory came 99 years after Typographical Union
44 received the first charter issued to any Los Angeles
Union in September 1859. The unrelenting attacks — the
blacklisting — the cooley wages — and the sweatshops were
ended.
Los Angeles labor had survived the brutal hardships
and resistance and entered its 100th year with one of the
largest memberships in the nation. A membership that
enjoyed outstanding protections under state and local laws
as well as wages, hours and working conditions equal to
any other area in the United States.
The courage and activities of the early trade unionists
had contributed tremendously in making California and
Los Angeles County better places in which to live.
Labor Day parade float, 1910, displaying
early Thomas Edison projector. Motion Pic-
ture Projectionists local 150 was chartered
in 1908.
Governor Earl Wanca (now Chief Justice,
U.S. Supreme Court) attending Labor Day
show held at night in Colliseum, 1945.
Labor Day parade, 19.17. 40,000 union mem-
bers marched in a parade lasting over 4
hours.
ULios J^-ngeles Oouunty I^eciereLtiori of* LaJtoor
In completing the merge of the National American Fed-
eration of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organiza-
tions which had occurred in 1955; in January 1959 the Los
Angeles CIO Council, the Los Angeles County Central La-
bor Council, AFL, the Pasadena Central Labor Council, the
Pomona Central Labor Council, Long Beach Central La-
bor Council, San Pedro-Wilmington Central Labor Coun-
cil, and Santa Monica Central Labor Council were all
merged into one organization — the present Los Angeles
County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO.
The Federation is composed of delegates designated by
each affiliated union (the number of delegates from each
union is determined on the basis of the size of the union).
All candidates for office in the County Federation must be
they hold membership. The Fedcratii)n is the essential link
which binds the labor movement together as a social and
economic force in Los Angeles County. The Federation
serves in the vital and important functions of public rela-
tions, community services, labor education, promotion of
union products, obtaining beneficial legislation, and in de-
veloping mutual aid in labor matters.
The planning, developing and implementation of all of
the functions of the Federation is under the supervision
and control of the delegates. It establishes policies and
procedures and is the voice of every AFL-CIO in Los
Angeles County.
It is chartered by the AFL-CIO as the central body to
carry out the aims and purposes of all organized labor
duly accredited delegates designated by the union in which within the county.
Peter McGavin (center). Assistant to AFL-CIO President George Meany. presenting charter for Los Angeles County Federation of Labor
to A. T. Lunceford, President (left), and W. J. Bassett, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, January 1959.
11
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
LOS ANGELES COUNTY FEDERATION OF LABOR, AFL-CIO
Los Angeles County
AFL-CIO LOCAL UNIONS & DEPARTMENT COUNCILS
r
V.
FEDERATION MEETINGS
Supreme Governing Body — through delegates officially designated
by affiliated unions and department councils
EXECUTIVE BOARD
35 Vice Presidents, President.
Executive Secretary
EXECUTIVE
SECRETARY
Public
Employers
Department
Council
on
Political
Education
I DEPART
Union
Label
Council
Education
Unemployment
Insurance
Disability
Insurance
Safety
and
Industrial
Accident
Health
and
Welfare
STAFF
MENTS
Commiinily
Services
Department
Board
of
Publishers
Fair Practices
and
Civil Rishls
Strike
Coordinating
Organizing
Housing
Labor
Day
STANDING COMMITTEES
OBJECTS AND PRINCIPLES
The Objects and Principles of the County Federation
are:
1 . To aid workers in securing improved wages, hours
and working conditions with due regard for the
autonomy, integrity and jurisdiction of affiliated
unions.
2. To aid and assist affiliated unions in extending the
benefits of mutual assistance and collective bar-
gaining to workers and to promote the organization
of the unorganized into unions of their own choos-
ing for their mutual aid, protection, and advance-
ment, giving recognition to the principle that both
craft and industrial unions are appropriate, equal
and necessary as methods of union organization.
3. To accept into affiliation all local unions which are
chartered directly by the American Federation of
Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations or
affiliated with the American Federation of Labor
and Congress of Industrial Organizations; in order
that each may cooperate with the other in obtain-
ing and maintaining these Objects and Principles.
4. To encourage all workers without regard to race,
creed, color, national origin or ancestry to share
equally in the full benefits of union organization.
5. To secure legislation which will safeguard and pro-
12
mote the principle of free collective bargaining, the
rights of workers, farmers and consumers, and the
security and welfare of all the people and to op-
pose legislation detrimental to these objectives.
6. To protect and strengthen American democratic in-
stitutions, perpetuate cherished traditions, and to
secure full recognition and enjoyment of the rights
and liberties to which all wage earners are fully
entitled.
7. To subscribe to the principles of the national AFL-
CIO constitution in preserving and maintaining the
integrity of each affiliated union in the organization.
8. To protect the employment of AFL-CIO members
by aiding and encouraging the sale and use of union
made goods and union made services.
9. To further the education of officers and members
by means of educational courses, special confer-
ences and institutes, and maintaining standing com-
mittees to investigate and report on specific sub-
jects; to promote the labor press and other means
of communication with the membership.
10. While preserving the independence of the labor
movement from political control, to encourage
workers to register and vote, to exercise their full
rights and responsibilities of citizenship, and to
perform their rightful part in the political life of
the local, state and national communities.
11. To assist in effecting an amicable and just settle-
ment of the disputes arising between an employer
and any affiliated union in order to promote and
maintain harmonious relations and avoid strikes if
possible.
12. To notify members of strike situations by publish-
ing an Unfair List and to coordinate the efforts of
all affiliated unions in assisting any affiliated union
which may be compelled to strike.
13. To serve as a means of exchanging information
among affiliated unions on matters of common
interest and to provide aid, cooperation, and as-
sistance to affiliated local unions in their common
and individual endeavors.
FUNCTIONS OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY
FEDERATION OF LABOR:
REVENUE
The revenue of the Federation is obtained through a per
capita tax of 10c per month per member from each af-
filiated union. The per capita tax is used to cover the
administration expenses of all departments and activities
of the Federation.
MONTHLY MEETING
The "Supreme Governing Body" of the Federation is
the Monthly Meeting composed of delegates from all af-
filiated unions. The number of delegates from each affili-
ated union is based on its per capita to the Federation.
OFFICERS
Officers of the Federation are elected for a 2-year term.
Between Federation meetings the Executive Secretary-
Treasurer carries out the policies, programs and instruc-
Rclationship of
Los Angeles County Federation of Labor AFL-CIO
to National AFL-CIO
NATIONAL AFL-CIO
1
AFL-ClO National or
International Union
Los Angeles County
Federation of Labor
Los Angeles County
AFL-ClO Local Union
— — Aiuhciu-d
County Federation of Labor
Department of Public Employees
LA. COUNTY
FEDERATION OF LABOR
MONTHLY MEETING
Composed of Delegates from AtViIialed L'nions
(supreme governing body)
^-i
each union also names delegat
to County Federation
County Federation
Executive Board
County Federation
Executive Secretary
Director of Department
Board of Tru^lees
Dept. of Public
Employee Unions
^
Department of
Public Employee
I'nions
One trustee
from each
internalion.i]
havmg local
unions in the
department.
:k
Affiliated Unions
With members employed bv any level
of Government or any Political Subdivi-
sions of Government
^-
Note: Department coordinates activities and represents members
in public employment on tiiallers of wages, hours, working con-
ditions, etc.
tions of the delegates at the previous meeting with the
cooperation of the Executive Board composed of the
President and 35 Vice Presidents. Insofar as possible a
Vice President is elected from each group of crafts or
industrial group affiliated with the Federation or from
the various geographical areas of the county. All of the
actions of the Executive Board are subject to the direction
13
Women's Union Label League organized in 1903 by the AFL Central Labor
Council to assist in programs to fight sweat shop conditions, promote public
education, and an 8-hour day for women.
Governor Edmund G. (Pat) Brown getting a union
haircut at Union Label Council's Union Products
and Services Show, 1959.
Governor "Goody" Goodwin Knight cutting ribbon at opening of Union Label
Council's Union Products and Services Show, 1957, at Shrine Convention and
E.xhibition Hall.
Ladies Auxiliary members preparing materials for
distribution at L.A. County Federation of Labor
booth, Los Angeles County Fair at Pomona.
i._^_ WL'
L.A. County Federation Harbor Area children's Christmas party.
Union 1 abcl Council children's Christmas party.
Los Angeles County Federation of Labor
booth at County Fair, Pomona.
View of Union Label Council's Union Prod-
ucts and Services Show, Shrine Exhibition
Hall.
and approval of the Federation Meeting. The work of the
Executive Board and its report to the delegates at the
monthly Federation Meeting are the results of hundreds
of hours of voluntary work by delegates acting on com-
mittees or through departments.
LABOR DISPUTES
Whenever an affiliated union reaches an impasse in
negotiations with an employer and a strike may be neces-
sary, the union may address a communication to the Secre-
tary-Treasurer requesting assistance from the Federation.
A representative of the Federation is assigned and all
unions directly or indirectly connected with the specific
plant or industry are called upon to assist in bringing about
an amicable and just settlement. In the vast majority of
cases this procedure has been successful in avoiding the
necessity of strike action. However, if a strike is necessary
the Executive Board is called upon to issue strike sanction
and the Federation publishes the name of the firm or in-
dustry in the "WE DO NOT PATRONIZE" list and all
unions are enlisted to give every possible assistance. The
only exception in this procedure is negotiations held on a
national basis by international unions or in cases involving
jurisdictional disputes.
AREA OFFICES
In order to implement the activities of the Federation
and to work closely with all local unions throughout the
county, the Federation maintains area offices staffed with
full time representatives who work closely with the af-
filiated unions in all programs to promote mutual as-
sistance.
DEPARTMENTS AND COMMITTEES
The Departments, Standing Committees and Special
Committees of the Federation are each composed of dele-
gates representing a cross section of the unions from all
industries and crafts affiliated with the Federation. Every
attempt is made to select delegates who have a special
interest and/or ability in the subject matter in which the
department or committee is concerned.
Every department or committee meets at least once each
month and the committee members devote hours in study-
ing and developing programs. These committees and de-
partments are an adjunct to the Executive Board, perform-
ing detailed work which is too time consuming for direct
attention by the Executive Board. At times departments
or committees find it necessary to assign sub-committees
for more detailed study. Recommendations and reports of
departments and committees are presented to the Board
for further consideration. The Board in turn presents all
recommendations to the delegates at the monthly Federa-
tion meeting for final action or approval.
DEPARTMENTS
Some specific activities of the County Federation are
accomplished through the following departments:
Union Label Council
Board of Publishers
Community Service Department
Council on Political Education
Department of Public Employees Unions
UNION LABEL COUNCIL
The Union Label Council conducts a campaign of ad-
vising membership of products and services offered under
union conditions. The primary purpose of the Union Label
Council is to develop cooperation between union members
whereby each member will support other members by pur-
chasing products or patronizing services offered under un-
ion conditions. Union label buying is one of the most
powerful and effective economic tools of the trade union
movement. It is a vehicle through which members may
raise and maintain the standard of living for each other.
The Union Label Department elects its own officers,
holds monthly meetings composed of representatives from
each union affiliated with the County Federation. It de-
velops plans to inform members of union operated stores
and shops as well as merchandise produced under union
conditions. It supervises union label displays and keeps
membership informed of inferior products produced under
non-union conditions as well as products which are pro-
duced by strike-breakers.
UNION LABEL COUNCIL
L.A. County Federation of Labor Meeting
(Delegates from Affiliated Unions)
t
County Federation Executive Board
t
County Federation
Executive Secretary
Director of Union
Label Council
I
Union Label Council
Monthly Meeting
Delegate from each union
affiliated with Couniy Federa-
tion (Meetings open to all
officers and delegates)
t
Union Label Board
of Directors
(one representative of each
Council Industrial Group or
Joint Board )
Note: The Union Label Council encourages purchase of Union
made products and services — use of union label — boycotts prod-
ucts produced under strike conditions.
Actions and recommendations are subject to approval of County
Federation meeting.
15
LOS ANGELES WOMEN WORKES
STRIKE TO OBTAIN A LIVING WAGE
s,riki„KC.m,.„i JANE ADDAMS FOR •»■'■*«>
Worker. P,^sc, A LIVING WAGE '"CT
Fdcls 10 Public
TxisAnaselcsCitiz-cn i^
..-And Then The Living Walked Away
Very Quietly From The Dead...
,:--.- 3lGdqes^|H^l''Ti::'''''i^H|Un>aii Men
l/.-.o^.'^T Deaii^
lOl A Fncixl
Left: Ciltzen, March 1913, announcing union victory in United Garment Workers
strike. Right: Cilizeii, November 1963, award-winning front page with story of reac-
tions to assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
National Labor Newspaper Awards, won by
Citizen Editor, Don Harris (left).
BOARD OF PUBLISHERS
L.A. County Federation of Labor Meeting
(Delegates from Affiliated Unions)
>
k
^
County Federation Executive Board
County Federation
Executive Secretary
(Business Manager of
Los Angeles Citizen)
J
r
Board of Ptiblishers
Note: The Board of Publishers is composed of delegates appointed
by the Executive Board subject to the approval of the delegates.
It supervises and establishes policies governing Citizen or any
other publications designated by Federation.
(Actions and recommendations subject to approval of County
Federation Meeting).
BOARD OF PUBLISHERS
The Board of Publishers of the County Federation estab-
lishes policies and governs the publication of the Los An-
geles Citizen, the official newspaper of the Federation.
The object of the Citizen is to keep all members fully
informed on trade union matters and programs — legisla-
tive activities both favorable and unfavorable, attitudes and
actions of public officials and any other information on
matters of interest or affecting the welfare of working men
and women or of immediate concern to the community.
Many unions subscribe to this publication for their mem-
bers. Each union and each delegate to the Federation re-
ceives the Citizen. It is recognized as one of the Nation's
outstanding labor newspapers. In the past six years the
Citizen has won eight national awards in competition with
labor newspapers and magazines throughout the United
States. The awards include: Feature Articles, Best Com-
munity Projects, Outstanding Editorials, Best News Cover-
age, Outstanding Photographs, Best Front Page.
COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
The Community Services Department is divided into
four principle committees:
Church and Civic
Charities and Community Services
Fair Practices and Civil Rights
Veterans
CHURCH AND CIVIC COMMITTEE
The Church and Civic Committee retains a liaison with
church and civic organization concerned with the problems
of working men and women. It participates in social or
legislative activities of such organizations and develops ed-
ucational programs to assist local unions in informing
members of community issues and activities and their im-
portance to Organized Labor.
16
DEPARTMENT OV
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Los Angeles County
Federation of Labor Monthly Meeting
County Federation
Executive Board
County Federation
Executive Secretary
>
' <
' >
i
Charities
Fair
CHURCH
and
and
Community
Practices
and
_.
Veterans
CIVIC
Services
Rights
J
Note: CommiUees composed of Federation Delegates recommended by Executive Secretary and approved by the Executive Board and
Delegates to the Federation.
CHARITIES AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
COMMITTEE
The Charities and Community Services Committee in-
vestigates charitable and community services organizations
to determine if such organizations fulfill their obligation
to the community in their respective field of activity.
FAIR PRACTICES AND CIVIL RIGHTS
COMMITTEE
The Fair Practices and Civil Rights Committee works
with responsible groups throughout the community in at-
tempting to eliminate discrimination against persons on
the basis of race, creed, color, sex, national origin or an-
cestry, and to bring about full participation of all persons
in social and economic life of the community. It also
advocates and supports legislation for the welfare and
protection of minorities.
VETERANS COMMITTEE
The Veterans Committee devotes its efforts toward im-
proving and maintaining the rights and benefits of veterans
under Federal and State laws and lends all possible as-
sistance in the accomplishment or employment of the
welfare of veterans.
17
Veterans Committee members making annual delivery of Christmas gifts to hospitalized veterans. In some cases veterans received no
other gifts.
Community Services Committee members delivering station wagon donated by County Federation to Southern Area Boys Club. The
Federation also underwrites the expense of camping trips for several hundred boys each year.
18
AFL^CIO
POLITICAL ENDORSEMENTS
LOS ANGELES COUNTY COUNCIL ON
POLITICAL EDUCATION, AFL-CIO
(COPE)
DELEGATES TO L.A. COUNTY FEDERATION;
Designated by
Los Angeles County AFL-CIO Deparlment Councils
and local Unions — (Affiliated with County Federation)
1
->
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
LOS ANGELES COUNTY
COUNCIL ON POLITICAL EDUCATION
(Governing Body Authorized to Issue Fndorsements
of Candidates for Public Office )
)^
X
X"
^-'
^Jk
COPE EXECUTIVE BOARD
L.A.
COUNTY Federation of Labor
E.xecutive Board Members
i p/'« ■!
Additional Representatives
of Councils and Industrial
Groups in LA. County
"V
Subcommittees of ex-board partici-
pate in interviews for each district.
1
s
REGIONAL COPE
COUNCILS
S
s
COUNTY FEDERATION
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
Director of COPE
CONGRESSIONAL
DISTRICT
COPE
COMMITTEES
-I-
<-
ASSEMBLY
DISTRICT
COPE
COMMITTEES
CANDIDATE
INTERVIEWING
COMMITTEES
Volunteer AFL-CIO memtwrs are
designated by Regional and District
Committees to serve on interviews of
candidates in ttieir area with ex-board
subcommittee.
CANDIDATES
FOR
PUBLIC OFFICE
Candidates submit written ap-
plication for endorsement to
secretary who refers it to
proper committee.
Note INTERVIEWING COMMITTEES. Interview candidates in their district who have applied for endorsement. The purpose of the
interviews is to determine the candidate's attitude toward legislation and issues affecting the welfare of workers and their families. The
committees also e,\amine and investigate the past records and activities of candidates with respect to such matters as well as evidence of
integrity and ability to fulfill the duties of the office the candidate seeks.
Endorsements are recommended on the basis of the above factors irrespective of political affiliation of the candidate.
Committee recommendations are then referred to the COPE E.xecutive Board for further study and consideration. The Board then pre-
sents recommendations to the General Assembly for final action. A two thirds majority vote of the delegates at the General Assembly
meeting is required before an endorsement can be issued.
Incumbents with good records receive automatic endorsement.
All Regional COPE Council embraces several congressional District Committees and assembly district committees.
19
Two cave-ins in the Third Street Tunnel in 1900 buried 14 men
ahve and injured scores. As a result Los Angeles trade unionists
pushed for workmen's compensation legislation to provide protec-
tion these men failed to receive.
L.A. County COPE Executive Board carefully evaluates the report
on every interview of candidates for public office who request an
AFL-CIO endorsement.
COPE findings and recommendations are presented to a General
Assembly of representatives from all affiliated AFL-CIO unions.
Each endorsement of a candidate requires a two-thirds majority
vote of these delegates.
The Central Labor Council and its Women's Auxiliary played an
important role in campaigning for women's right to vote.
Volunteers in a COPE campaign office preparing lists for workei^
who contact voters door-to-door.
Typical COPE billboard. This board was used in campaign against
union-busting "Right-to-Work" measure in 1958.
20
COPE volunteers in one of the campaign offices preparing a mail-
ing of literature to the voters.
Street rally in campaign to elect John F. Kennedy as President of the United States-
1960. Inset: John F. Kennedy and Samuel Otto, chairman of the rally.
Adali Stevenson when he appeared in Los
Angeles to campaign — 1956.
HDR
LOS ANGELES COUNTY COUNCIL ON
POLITICAL EDUCATION
The Los Angeles County Council on Political Education
coordinates the activities of affiliated unions in screening
candidates, issuing endorsements and in conducting elec-
tion campaigns. The Executive Board of COPE is com-
posed of Executive Board members of the County Federa-
tion plus other leaders active in the field.
COPE endeavors to select candidates who will defend
the best interests of working men and women, by sup-
porting beneficial laws and opposing all actions or matters
which are or may be detrimental and who will support
programs of social progress.
The endorsements are issued at the COPE General
Assembly meeting which is composed of the official dele-
gates named by each union to the County Federation.
Every endorsement requires at least a two-thirds majority
vote of the delegates present at the meeting.
All activities of Los Angeles County COPE are con-
trolled and directed by a majority vote of the delegates.
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC EMPLOYEES UNIONS
The Department of Public Employees Unions coordi-
nates the activities of affiliated unions having members in
public employment. The Department works toward the
development of uniform policies and procedures for public
Street rally for President Johnson and Vice-President Humphrey
— 1964.
employees and assists affiliated unions in appearing before
commissions and legislative bodies on matters concerning
wages, working conditions or any needed protection for
members employed by the county, municipalities or other
political subdivision or public agencies.
Each affiliated union with members in public employ-
ment designates its own representatives who attend the
meetings of the Department and participate in all its busi-
ness.
21
STANDING COMMITTEES
(Provided by Constitulion)
L.A. COUNTY
FEDERATION OF LABOR MONTHLY MEETING
Composed of Delegates representing Affiliated Unions
COUNTY FEDERATION
EXECUTIVE BOARD
#
All committees are composed of delegates
recommended by executive secretary and
executive board subject to approval
of monthly meeting
COUNTY FEDERATION
EXECUTIVE SECY.
Note: STANDING COMMITTEES Augment the activities of the Executive Board by investigating, studying in detail and making recom-
mendations on matters: (1) Referred to committee by Executive Secretary, (2) referred to committee by the Executive Board, or (3)
matters proposed by delegates and referred for further study and recommendation.
Committee recommendations are submitted to the Executive Secretary for presentation to the Board then to the Monthly Meeting for final
action by the delegates.
SPECIAL COMMITTEES and ad hoc committees follovi' same procedure as standing committees on subject matters for which they are
appointed.
STANDING COMMITTEES
Education Committee
The Education Committee, through literature, confer-
ences and institutes, assists local unions in developing their
own educational programs. The Committee also works with
Boards of Education and legislative bodies on local and
state levels in implementing programs or legislation to_
provide the highest standard of education at all levels. In
carrying out its function it maintains liaison and works
with other community groups interested in the same ac-
complishments. The functions of the Committee include
workshops for teachers and students, as well as advocating
and supporting educational legislation. In cooperation with
the University of California it sponsors classes to teach and
train union members in labor, economics and other sub-
jects of interest to workers.
Labor Day Committee
The Labor Day Committee is established for the pur-
pose of making the Labor Day holiday a success and in
calling the attention of the public to the importance of
organized labor.
Organizing Committee
The Organizing Committee assists local unions in organ-
izing unorganized workers when requested to do so. It
sponsors conferences and workshops designed to educate
22
Workshop at one of the spcci.il conferences sponsored by the
County Federation and its standing committees.
SpeakLM -. ,il ALLidciii l'ic\ention Institute.
Liberal Arts for Labor class. One of the series of certified labor courses conducted jointly by the
University of California, Los Angeles and the County Federation.
Former President Harry Truman
when he appeared at County Fed-
eration activity.
and inform local union members on laws, techniques, liter-
ature, and activities in the field of organizing. The com-
mittee serves to establish a liaison and working relation-
ship between affiliated unions in order to bring about
mutual understanding of problems and programs between
various crafts and industries.
Unemployment Insurance and Disability Insurance
Committee
The Unemployment Insurance and Disability Insurance
Committee advises officers and members of the legislation
governing unemployed persons, disability benefits, hos-
pitalization and other benefits available to members under
California law. The Committee conducts a close liaison
with the California Department of Employment for the
purpose of reviewing administrative practices and proced-
ures. It recommends improvements or corrections needed
in legislation in their field.
The Committee holds conferences composed of delegates
and representatives of local unions as well as staff mem-
bers of the State Department of Employment in order to
bring about a closer working relationship and better under-
standing, in administering unemployment, disability and
hospital benefits.
Safety and Industrial Accident Committee
The Safety and Industrial Accident Committee advises
officers and members of laws and regulations protecting
the safety of members at their place of employment. The
Committee assists in the enforcement of safety regulations
whenever called upon. It submits recommendations for
legislation needed to improve or correct industrial safety
laws, regulations and compensation. The Committee ad-
vises officers and members of rights and benefits available
to injured workers and conducts a liaison with the State
Industrial Accident Insurance Fund as well as private in-
23
Workshop at conference sponsored by County Federation and one
of the standing committees.
One of the many student workshops held with committee mem-
bers and high school students each year to discuss the functions
and responsibilities of organized labor.
High school Youth Opportunity program jointly sponsored by County Federation
and Variety Artists Union.
Committee leaders completing plans for a County
Federation conference.
surance companies to develop mutual understanding in
reporting and settling of claims with a minimum of liti-
gation.
Each year special classes are conducted by experts in
this field for the purpose of briefing officers and members
on all aspects of the law and proper procedures to obtain
benefits for injured members.
Health and Welfare Committee
The Health and Welfare Committee coordinates the
activities of affiliated unions in obtaining the best possible
coverage in the sick benefits, hospital benefits, and any
other insurances in connection with health and welfare
through union contracts. The Committee also investigates
all organizations and firms offering medical, dental, eye
care, or hospital services to union members upon request.
The Committee cannot recommend approval of such serv-
ices unless the applicant meets proper standards and is
capable of rendering services which guarantee full protec-
tion to the health and safety of members and/or their
families.
Housing Committee
The Housing Committee keeps abreast of legislation in
connection with public housing and advocates and sup-
ports legislation to improve housing conditions for all
people and toward the elimination of slums and blighted
areas. It also provides information in connection with
cooperative housing projects.
SPECIAL COMMITTEES
Anti-Poverty Coordinating Committee
The Committee makes recommendations on programs
brought to their attention under the Economic Opportunity
Act. It maintains a liaison with community and govern-
ment organizations and agencies involved in programs for
24
President Eisenhower when he spoke at AFL Convention at the Ambassador Hotel — 1954.
President Meany receiving gavel at opening of AFLConvention in Los Angeles — 1954.
Governor Brown spcakiny at Community Serv-
ices Department meeting.
25
Stanley Mosk (then California Attorney-General) with County
Federation Committee members at Youth Training school.
P^
Panel leading workshop at one of County Federation conferences.
Don Vral, University of California,
speaking at one of the
County Federation conferences.
the elimination of poverty. It advocates and supports legis-
lation to eliminate poverty and at the same time makes an
effort to protect the wages, hours and working conditions
that have been achieved through long years of struggle, as
well as oppose programs which could be used to exploit
under-privileged minority groups.
Consumer Committee
The Consumer Committee develops educational pro-
grams and literature for the purpose of assisting local
unions in advising their membership of ways and means to
save wages won through collective bargaining by wise con-
sumer buying and use of credit. It advocates and supports
protective consumer legislation and cooperates with com-
munity organizations and government agencies in working
toward this goal.
Committee on Extremist Groups
The Committee on Extremist Groups studies and evalu-
ates the general character of authoritarian extremist move-
ments— their philosophy, program, tactics and leadership;
issues reports on the results of these studies; provides infor-
mation to the AFL-CIO membership and the general pub-
lic— through reports, literature, meetings, conferences and
the mass media; and cooperates with other concerned com-
munity groups in projects to counter the threat of totali-
tarianism and authoritarianism in an effort to preserve the
material well-being, the human spirit and the freedom of
man.
26
Mexican-American Labor Action Committee
The Mexican-American Labor Action Committee de-
velops programs to assist working people in the Mexican-
American Community to raise their standard of living. It
develops literature, educational programs, conferences, spe-
cial projects, works with community organizations, advo-
cates and supports legislation toward this goal.
COMMITTEE ON MINIMLIM WAGE LAW
ENFORCEMENT
With new increases in minimum wages and expansion
of occupations covered, the problem of effective policing
of the new standards has become more serious. Working
together with the governmental agencies responsible for
effecting payment of minimum wages, the committee ob-
tains information and complaints of violations and brings
its data to the attention of the proper authority. By sub-
sequent followup the committee ascertains whether the
violation has been corrected and the workers have received
the minimum wage payment due them. While Union mem-
bers protected by collective bargaining agreements com-
monly are paid for more than the legal minimums, this
activity benefits not only the under paid non-union worker,
but the union member who may lose his job through the
unfair competition of firms attempting to pay employees
wages below the minimum wage scale.
r8i
■^i
THE BRIDGE BUILDER
An old man, going a lone highway, came
at the evening, cold and grey,
To a chasm, vast and deep and wide,
through which was flowing
A sullen tide.
The old man crossed in the twilight dim
— that sullen stream
Had no fear for him; but he turned, when
he reached the other side, and built
a bridge to span the tide.
"Old man," said a fellow pilgrim near,
"You are wasting strength in building
here. Your journey will end with
the ending day;
You have crossed the chasm, deep and
wide, you never again must pass
this way.
Why build you the bridge at the eventide?"
The builder lifted his old grey head, "Good
friend, in the path I have come,"
he said,
"There foUoweth after me today a youth
whose feet must pass this way.
This chasm that has been naught to me
to the fair-haired youth
May a pitfall be.
He, too, must cross in the twilight dim;
Good friend, I am
Building the bridge for him."
— Will Allen Dromgoole
: DUE
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