- Collection:
- W.J. Usery, Jr., Papers
- Title:
- W. J. Usery, Jr., oral history interview, 1987-07-29 (Tape 14)
- Creator:
- Usery, W. J., Jr., 1923-
- Contributor to Resource:
- Hough, Leslie S.
Southern Labor Archives - Publisher:
- W. J. Usery, Jr. Papers, Special Collections and Archives, Georgia State University Library
- Date of Original:
- 1987-07-29
- Subject:
- Collective bargaining
Labor unions
Aerospace industries
Labor movement
Usery, W. J., Jr., 1923-
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers
John F. Kennedy Space Center
E'Dalgo, Frank, 1912- - Location:
- United States, Florida, Brevard County, Cape Canaveral, 28.40584, -80.60477
- Medium:
- oral histories (literary works)
- Type:
- Text
Sound - Description:
- Usery's continued work with the IAM and development of the aerospace industry in the Cape Canaveral/Kennedy Space Center area comprise the main portions of this tape. He begins by recounting personal developments, including being elected President of Local United Lodge No. 918; continued problems with others' jealousy regarding his work; and his desire to go to law school and enter politics, driving his commitment to the union. 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 in Florida towards unions, union efforts to build the community around Cape Canaveral, and the union's political activities are related. Usery's consideration of running for public office and his relationship with E'Dalgo end the tape.
http://research.library.gsu.edu/c.php?g=115649&p=752736 - Local Identifier:
- L1985-12_AV0104
- Metadata URL:
- http://digitalcollections.library.gsu.edu/cdm/ref/collection/usery/id/765
- Language:
- eng
- Rights Holder:
- This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. In addition, no permission is required from the rights-holder(s) for educational uses. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
- Bibliographic Citation (Cite As):
- Cite as: W. J. Usery, Jr., in an interview conducted by Les Hough, July 27-29, 1987, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia. L1985-12_AV0104, Southern Labor Archives. Special Collections and Archives, Georgia State University Library.
- Extent:
- 01:23:45
- Holding Institution:
- Georgia State University. Special Collections
- Rights:
-
