W.J. Usery, Jr. oral history collection [sound recording] 1987, July 29 [Tape 13].

ArchivalResource

Usery, W. J., 1923-. W.J. Usery, Jr. oral history collection [sound recording] 1987, July 29 [Tape 13].

W.J. Usery, Jr. oral history collection [sound recording] 1987, July 29 [Tape 13].

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/50777640

Usery's involvement with the International Association of Machinists (IAM) and his various turns at mediating disputes are the focus, with Usery detailing his development of interest in and participation within the IAM while working at Armstrong. Union rules of membership and IAM's relation to the electronics field are also outlined. The point at which Usery's involvement with IAM became full service in the union and Usery's ability to lead are discussed along with the vast range of membership in the IAM. Relating his experiences in mediation, Usery describes mediation with Lockheed in Marietta, Ga., and his work with Lockheed-Georgia and Convair; the union's reasoning for sending him to mediate an aerospace dispute; feuding between Jessie McGlon and Roy Brown; the distinction between west coast and Florida disputes; and a description of west coast mediation. Al Hayes' and Jessie McGlon's feud is mentioned, as is Usery's position within it. Usery describes his duties as a union representative; his relationship with the Air Force; Roy Brown; his first major negotiation as part of a select team at Convair in California and his second Convair negotiation in San Diego. The characteristics of good negotiation are explored, and a description of advancing technology under President Kennedy and the passing of the Landrum-Griffin Bill are discussed.

1 sound cassette.Transcript (33 p.)

Georgia State University