W.J. Usery, Jr. oral history collection [sound recording] 1987, July 28 [Tape 12].

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W.J. Usery, Jr. oral history collection [sound recording] 1987, July 28 [Tape 12].

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/50771083

Usery describes negotiating a contract for the IAM with the Armstrong Cork maintenance unit, weighing actions for the union against the company, plus the possibility of strikes with the strength of Armstrong against the union. Mentioned also are later union problems with Armstrong while Usery was Assistant Secretary of Labor. Usery describes his career orientation towards labor relations while promoting and protecting the rights of blacks and minorities; and the importance of his involvement in WWII with his level of idealism. In describing activities outside the union, Usery mentions his Milledgeville neighbor, Tom Hall Simpson; Masonic membership; his social life in Milledgeville; describes his work both with a construction team and at Armstrong while in the maintenance repair group; and discusses his time in the Mercer University law school. With regard to his mediation duties, Usery talks openly about his development as a leader, skills as a mediator, and the problems he experienced throughout his career due to others' jealousy. Confrontations with Bill Falls and Dao Tsu Ping are mentioned along with Usery's description of establishing an embassy in China. Usery also describes union battle strategies and a change in union negotiation tactics.

1 sound cassette.Transcript (36 p.)

Georgia State University

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SNAC Resource ID: 7632292

Georgia State University

Related Entities

There are 3 Entities related to this resource.

Hough, Leslie S.

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6zp5mpq (person)

Armstrong Cork Company

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Usery, W. J., 1923-

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6rb8k4z (person)

W.J. Usery (1923- ), machinist, union official, Assistant Secretary and Secretary of Labor, federal and private mediator, born in Hardwick, Georgia. From the description of W.J. Usery papers, 1940, 1952-1985. (Georgia State University). WorldCat record id: 38477540 W.J. Usery, Jr. (1923- ), machinist, union official, Assistant Secretary and Secretary of Labor, federal and private mediator, born in Hardwick, Georgia. From the description of W.J. Usery, Jr. oral hi...