Fraser, Douglas A. (Douglas Andrew), 1916-2008

Peter Eckstein Papers

drice — Mon, 24 Jun 2013 17:35:27 -0400

Peter Eckstein has been involved with labor unions in the state of Michigan since the 1960s. Eckstein served as the research director for Michigan UAW-CAP; executive director of the Governor’s Commission on Jobs and Economic Development, where he drafted several important pieces of worker’s compensation legislation; and finally as research director of the Michigan AFL-CIO. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Economics and earned his Ph.D. in economics from Harvard. Mr. Eckstein also taught economics at several universities and worked on the political campaigns of Carl Levin, Jennifer Granholm and Howard Wolpe. Eckstein retired in 1999 but is still active in various political causes in
Michigan.

The material in this collection documents Eckstein’s time serving on different government committees, such as those relating to unemployment and worker’s compensation legislation. There is also some material related to his time working for UAW-CAP and on local, state, and national elections. Some of the folder headings were created by Eckstein and contain abbreviations such as WC for worker’s compensation, UC for unemployment commission or VC for venture capital. These abbreviations have been spelled out in full in the finding aid.

Sam Fishman Papers

drice — Fri, 03 May 2013 12:40:58 -0400

Sam Fishman was born January 24, 1924 and spent the majority of his adult life involved with the labor movement in Michigan. He was originally an assembler and machinist for the Ford Motor Company and eventually became an official in UAW Local 400. He later was elected Vice-President of UAW Local 99 and then President of UAW Local 36 at the Ford Assembly Plant. Fishman would go on to serve as head of the UAW Community Action Program (CAP) for 12 years until his election as president of the Michigan State AFL-CIO in 1983. Fishman was heavily involved with the Democratic Party and was a dominant figure in not only Michigan, but also national politics during the late 1970s and 1980s. Fishman passed away in 1987.

The materials in the collection represent Fishman’s time in the UAW and AFL-CIO. There are also materials related to the Democratic Party in local, state and national elections. The bulk of the materials range from 1980 to 1984, when Fishman headed the UAW CAP and the MI AFL-CIO, and correspond to the 1980, 1982 and 1984 elections. Additionally there are materials related to Fishman’s interests in the Social Democrats and Israel.

Douglas A. Fraser Papers

drice — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:51:15 -0400

Douglas A. Fraser retired as UAW President in 1983 and began his professorial career at Wayne State University Labor Studies Department. As professor of Labor Studies at WSU, Fraser engaged workers, students, corporate professionals, and educators in discussion forums focusing on issues in labor and the urban environment. In recognition of his contribution to the field of Labor Studies WSU opened the Douglas A. Fraser Center for Workplace Issues in 1997. Fraser continued his involvement with the UAW into his retirement, attending union meetings, presenting at UAW conventions, and retirement dinners. Fraser also maintained an extensive resume of public appearances and speeches nationwide. Fraser addressed House and Senate Committees on topics ranging from health care, labor law, and human rights. Fraser also held multiple Presidential Appointments including the President’s Advisory Committee to Japan. Locally within Detroit Fraser served on the Detroit Economic Growth Committee, the Economic Club of Detroit, New Detroit, and the United Foundation of Detroit. Fraser partnered with management, co-chairing with Lee Iacocca the Michigan Governor’s Commission on Jobs & Economic Development. Pairing again with management to achieve workers rights Fraser co-chaired the Health Security Action Council with Ford Motor Company’s Peter Pestillo. Extending his influence beyond Detroit Fraser held visiting professorships at Harvard University, University of Oregon, and the University of Michigan.

This collection demonstrates Douglas Fraser's civic and academic involvement following his tenure as President of the UAW. This collection provides insight into the personal relationships Doug Fraser maintained and developed in his role as a university professor.This collection also contains information regarding the multiple roles Doug Fraser held on national and local councils and committees.

Arthur Hughes Papers

drice — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 16:10:25 -0500

Mr. Hughes served as the assistant director of the UAW Chrysler Department beginning in 1948, and was actively involved in Chrysler negotiations until he retired in 1978. He previously served in several elected positions, including president, of UAW Local 140 in Warren, Michigan. Part I of Mr. Hughes' papers consist of correspondence, minutes, reports, and clippings which cover principally the Chrysler negotiations from 1945 to 1960. Part II primarily covers his years in the UAW Chrysler Dept., chronically thirty years of relations between the UAW and Chrysler (1948-1978). It includes material on the benefits program, leadership education, pre-retirement counselling, dissident labor groups, and the various local committees involvement & activities of Mr. Hughes. Important correspondents include Walter P. Reuther, Douglas Fraser, and Leonard Woodcock.

UAW Chrysler Department Records

drice — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 22:28:29 -0500

The UAW Chrysler Department was formed in the year following the tumultuous sit-down strikes of 1937. Responsible of the department included planning, developing, negotiating, and administering collective bargaining agreements for Chrysler workers in the United States and Canada.

The records of the department reflect its administration and activities and largely include the files of Arthur Hughes, an administrative assitant and assistant director in the department from 1940-1978.

UAW President's Office: Douglas Fraser Records

drice — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 10:31:47 -0400

Douglas A. Fraser was elected UAW President in 1977 following the retirement of Leonard Woodcock. As UAW President Fraser presided over the emergence of Japanese auto imports into the previously US dominated auto industry, growing concerns over air quality, worker safety issues, and job re-training. In 1981 Fraser successfully reunited the UAW with the AFL-CIO after a 13 year absence. Fraser was also instrumental in assisting Chrysler Motor Company’s federal bailout loan to avoid the company’s bankruptcy and the loss of thousands of auto workers’ jobs in 1979. In recognition of his commitment to the success of both US auto companies and workers, in 1980 Fraser was the first union member to be elected to the Chrysler Board of Directors. Fraser retired from the UAW in 1983, succeeded by Owen Bieber, to begin his second career as Professor of Labor Studies at Wayne State University. Douglas Fraser died on February 23, 2008.

The collection is divided into two parts. Part 1 includes subjects such as Chrysler Corporation; UAW Regions 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D; Canadian autoworkers; Detroit economic development; foreign automobile industry; Democratic Party politics; plant closings; air pollution; contract negotiations; strikes; SUB; Progressive Alliance; Walter Reuther; and early retirement.

Part 2 represents subject files and International Executive Board files not represented in Office of the President Part 1. The subject files provide information regarding the UAW’s interaction with Chrysler Motor Coporation during the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, and detailed information related to the Chrysler Federal Loan Bailout. The International Executive Board Files provide insight into the interaction between the UAW Office of the President and the International Executive Board of the union.

UAW President's Office: Howard Young Records

drice — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 14:34:00 -0400

Howard Young began working for the UAW in 1960, as an Actuarial Consultant and later became the Director of the Social Security Department. Later in his UAW career, his main function was as Special Consultant to the President, but he also worked as a member of the Pension Research Council, Director of Social Security, Director of the Research, and Director of Information Systems. He worked for the UAW from 1960-1971 and again from 1974-1987. During that time he worked under four UAW presidents: Reuther, Woodcock, Fraser and Bieber. His work included collective bargaining, public policy on economic and social programs (job and income security, pensions, and benefits), international trade, the impact of technological change on workers, and federal policy regarding energy and automobile standards.

The UAW President’s Office: Howard Young Records consist of the chronological, subject and meeting files of Howard Young during his tenure in various positions at the UAW. The Chronological files combine the correspondence and research from his position as Special Consultant with those from his positions as Director of Social Security, Director of the Research, and Director of Information Systems. The subject files cover a range of topics with emphasis on pensions, auto emissions, international trade, technology, and Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors. The meeting files consist of the correspondence, presentations, speeches, and testimony of Howard Young to a wide range of organizations, college classes, conferences and government committees and subcommittees. A gap in the records exists from mid 1971 through late 1974, a period when he was not employed with the UAW.

UAW Presidents' Office Records

drice — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:09:52 -0500

Includes: speeches, correspondence, and reports of the Reuther, Woodcock, and Fraser administrations

UAW Public Relations Department Photographs and Sound and Video Recordings

mwallace — Fri, 25 Oct 2013 14:01:25 -0400

Since the United Automobile Workers of America (UAW) was established as an affiliate of the American Federation of Labor (AFL) in August 1935, the union has maintained an office to deal with public relations. At that time, a "Committee on Publication" was formed, which became the "Publication Committee" in April 1936. The Committee subsequently became the "Publicity Department" in August 1936, when the UAW became an independent union affiliated with the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO). This became the UAW's Public Relations Department some years later. The primary purpose of the original Committees and Department was the production of the union's national newspaper, the United Automobile Worker, which became Solidarity in 1957. Over the years, as the UAW grew into a large, powerful union, the P.R. department played an increasingly important role in writing speeches and producing various publications. It also generated large numbers of photographic images, created television advertisements, and issued press releases, delivering the union’s official stance on nearly all issues. In recent years, the P.R. Department has also been responsible for maintaining the union’s social media presence. The collection consists of Audio-Visual material, including photographic prints and contact sheets, videotapes, and audio recordings.

UAW Vice President's Office: Douglas Fraser Records

drice — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:18:56 -0500

Subjects include: collective bargaining and working conditions in the automobile industry; Canadian labor relations; automobile safety; Detroit economic development; international trade; Democratic Party politics; Michigan State Development Authority; Newspaper Guild Local 22; retired workers; UAW Community Action Program; UAW Chrysler Department

African Americans and the UAW

mosmith — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 11:53:30 -0500

The Reuther Library celebrates African American History Month with a brief review of the important role that African Americans have played in the formation and growth of the United Automobile Workers of America (UAW), one of the most powerful unions in American history, and the influence of black UAW members within the polity of Detroit. read more »

Alan Reuther: the UAW's Voice in Washington

mosmith — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 09:54:47 -0400

The Walter Reuther Library is pleased to announce that an oral history with Alan Reuther is now open for research. Alan Reuther was the Legislative Director for the United Automobile Workers of America (UAW). He served in the UAW’s Washington Office from 1982 until his retirement in 2010. Over the course of his tenure as Legislative Director, Automotive News often cited Reuther as one of the 50 most influential people in the auto industry. read more »

In Memoriam — Winnie Fraser

mosmith — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 08:55:38 -0500

Dr. Winifred Fraser passed away on February 29, 2012, at the age of 88. Fraser was a professor and dean at Wayne State University for 30 years, and was married to former United Automobile Workers President Doug Fraser for over 40 years.

A native Detroiter, Dr. Fraser rose from modest beginnings, working as a drill press operator and bookkeeper before earning a B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. in Psychology from Wayne State University in Detroit. read more »

(357) Doug Fraser, Coretta Scott King, SEMCAP, Detroit, Michigan

eclemens — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:05:07 -0500

Douglas Fraser with Coretta Scott King at the SEMCAP Job Conference, Detroit, Michgian.

(358) Doug Fraser, CAP, Eleanor Norton Holmes, Washington, DC

eclemens — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:12:12 -0500

Douglas Fraser welcomes Eleanor Norton Holmes to the podium at the Community Action Program (CAP) Conference, Hyatt Regency Hotel, Washington, DC.

(980) Doug Fraser, Irving Bluestone, Ken Morris

eclemens — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 14:34:53 -0500

UAW / General Motors division vice-president Irving Bluestone, UAW president Doug Fraser, and UAW regional manager Ken Morris at a press conference, location unknown, 1979.

(6644) UAW, Negotiating Committee, Fraser, 1982

eclemens — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 13:27:51 -0400

The 1982 UAW-General Motors negotiating committee. AT center is Doug Fraser and Owen Bieber.

(7091) Fraser, Caldwell, Ford Training Program, 1982

eclemens — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 13:30:45 -0400

Doug Fraser shares a laugh with Ford Chairman Philip Caldwell at the Ford Training Program.

(24709) AFSCME meets with UAW

jruss — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 16:36:41 -0400

UAW Vice President Doug Fraser (seated) looks over an AFSCME organization chart during a meeting between the unions at UAW’s Solidarity House in Detroit. Around him, from left: Irving Bluestone, aide to UAW President Walter Reuther; Alton Cobb, director of Detroit Public Employees, AFSCME Council 77; A. L. Zwerdling, legal counsel for AFSCME; Robert Grosvenor, director of AFSCME Michigan Council 7; Robert Crittenden, president of AFSCME Council 55; William Charron, president of AFSMCE Michigan Council 23; William Van Zandt, AFSCME International representative; and Thomas J. Fitzpatrick, AFSCME Michigan Area Director.

(24718) UAW, Conventions, Los Angeles, California, 1977

eclemens — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 13:46:36 -0400

Winnie Fraser, Doug Fraser, and Emil Mazey pause for a photograph during the 25th UAW Constitutional Convention, Los Angeles, California. It was at this convention that Mr. Fraser was elected president of the UAW.

(24719) UAW, Chrysler, Contract Negotiations, 1943

eclemens — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 13:44:55 -0400

The Chrysler negotiation team pauses from their work and poses for a picture.

Note: Doug Fraser is seated fifth from right.

(24720) UAW, Chrysler, Contract Negotiations, 1944

eclemens — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 13:42:43 -0400

The Chrysler negotiation team meets to discuss strategy during the 1944 UAW-Chrysler contract negotiations.

Note: Doug Fraser stands at right.

(24721) UAW, Chrysler, Contract Negotiations, 1958

eclemens — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 13:41:26 -0400

1958. Detroit, Michigan. The Chrysler negotiation team meets to meet to discuss strategy during the 1958 UAW-Chrysler contract negotiations.

Walter Reuther is at far right. Third from right is Doug Fraser.

(24722) UAW, Chrysler, Contract Negotiations, 1954

eclemens — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 13:38:04 -0400

Doug Fraser and Walter Reuther share a laugh during a press conference concerning the 1964 UAW-Chrysler contract negotiations.

(24723) UAW, Chrysler, Newspapers, "DeSoto Spotlight", 1944

eclemens — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 13:49:34 -0400

Members of the "Chrysler DeSoto Spotlight" editorial board.

Note: Doug Fraser is second from left.

(24724) UAW, Chrysler, Contract Negotiations, 1964

eclemens — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 13:36:16 -0400

Left to right: Leonard Woodcock, Walter Reuther, Ken Bannon, and Doug Fraser answer questions during a press conference concerning the 1964 UAW-Chrysler contract negotiations.

(24725) Fraser, UAW, Skilled Trades, 1966

eclemens — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 13:34:39 -0400

Doug Fraser, co-director of the UAW Skilled Trades Department, watches an apprentice at work at an unidentified tool -and-die plant.

(24726) UAW, Conventions, Atlantic City, 1953

eclemens — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 13:32:30 -0400

Boardwalk entertainment during the 1953 UAW Constitutional Convention, Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Note: Doug Fraser is at far right.

(28118) Doug and Winnie Fraser

pneirink — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 09:13:30 -0500

Winnie and Doug Fraser.

(28119) Winnie and Doug Fraser

pneirink — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 09:15:56 -0500

Winnie and Doug Fraser.

(28558) Politics, Organized Labor, Woodcock, McGovern, Fraser, 1972

eclemens — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 09:30:47 -0400

Group shot of Leonard Woodcock, Douglas Fraser and George McGovern.

(28780) Presidents, Jimmy Carter, Organized Labor, 1980

eclemens — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 12:34:46 -0400

President Jimmy Carter meets with a group of industrialists, politicians and labor leaders during a stop in Michigan for his re-election campaign. At his direct left are Doug Fraser and Mayor Coleman Young.

(31859) Fraser, Press, Dodge Main, Highland Park, Michigan, 1979

eclemens — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 11:16:59 -0400

Doug Fraser speaks to reporters and auto workers regarding the closing of Chrysler’s Dodge Main Plant in Hamtramck.

(46016) RFK with UAW officers

gstrassel — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 14:30:26 -0500

From left to right: Leonard Woodcock, Jack Conway, Robert Kennedy, unnamed, and Douglas Fraser.

[Podcast] The UAW’s Southern Gamble in Foreign-Owned Factories

teller — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 09:32:50 -0500

Dr. Stephen Silvia explains how the UAW built a cooperative relationship with workers’ councils and unions at foreign automotive companies, but has nevertheless struggled to organize those companies’ vehicle factories in the southern United States since the 1990s due to anti-labor politics and the companies’ shared anti-union playbooks. read more »