Webster, Milton P., 1887-1965

Milton Price Webster joined the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters (BSCP) in 1925 and soon became A. Philip Randolph's major ally. He was the first vice-president of the BSCP and chief negotiator of contracts. Together with Randolph, Webster led the BSCP to victory in 1935 following a protracted campaign to make the union the bargaining representative for black porters and maids. The BSCP was the first African-American union to win a national contract as well as the first to have a bargaining agreement with the Pullman Company. Among the main issues Webster addressed as the chief negotiator was the Pullman Company's long standing practice of low pay, long working hours, and harsh treatment of its porters, most of whom were African American.

From the description of Milton P. Webster collection, 1956-1964. (New York Public Library). WorldCat record id: 743084483