W.J. Usery, Jr. oral history collection [sound recording] 1987, July 29 [Tape 14].

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W.J. Usery, Jr. oral history collection [sound recording] 1987, July 29 [Tape 14].

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/50777699

Usery's continued work with IAM and the development of the aerospace industry in the Cape Canaveral/Kennedy Space Center area comprise the main portions of this tape. Personal developments in Usery's life, such as his election to president of local Union Lodge no. 918; continued problems with others' jealousy regarding his work; and Usery's desire to go to law school and enter politics, which drove his commitment to the union, are explored. Descriptions of Frank E'Dalgo; negotiation tactics; friendships with astronauts, and the duties of union representatives toward unions are given. Other reminiscences from Usery include descriptions of the missile gap and its effects on the unions; a description of the Missile Site [Labor] Committee and its function; and Usery's difficulties during his tenure as a union leader in the aerospace arena. He discusses the "world of labor relations" speaking of an IAM strike incident and the IAM's progress from the 1950s to the 1960s. Usery offers descriptions of various aspects of the aerospace industry, including the Boeing operation, and its impact on Florida's Cape Canaveral area. The environment and geography of Cape Canaveral and campaigning for unions around the area are explored. Also covered are descriptions of missiles, their capabilities, and the growth of the aviation industry. Usery's union work, specifically his arbitration duties and the criticism by others of Usery's union work follow. A description of the climate of Florida toward unions, union efforts to build the community around Cape Canaveral, and the union's political activities are related. Usery's consideration for running for public office and his relationship with E'Dalgo end the tape.

1 sound cassette.Transcript (31 p.)

Georgia State University

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SNAC Resource ID: 7632350

Georgia State University

Related Entities

There are 4 Entities related to this resource.

Hough, Leslie S.

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

E'Dalgo, Frank, 1912-2001.

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w64b4ft5 (person)

Born in 1921 E' Dalgo was a union organizer and leader for the AFL and the IAMAW. From the description of Frank E'Dalgo papers, 1970-1994. (Georgia State University). WorldCat record id: 51047317 Frank E'Dalgo (1912-2001) machinist, American Federation of Labor Union organizer, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Frand Lodge Representative, was born in Monrow County, Georgia. From the description of Frank E'Dalgo oral history interview [...

International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6nw3c3q (corporateBody)

Founded in 1888 as the United Machinists and Mechanical Engineers of America, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers is one of the largest trade unions in North America. The organization has been known as the National Association of Machinists (1889-1891) and the International Association of Machinists (1891-1965). From the description of International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers artifact collection, 1888-ca. 2000. (Georgia State Univers...

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...