American Federation of Government Employees

AFSCME Education and Leadership Training Department Records

mcourtney — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 15:11:27 -0400

The 1960s began a period of significant growth for AFSCME, which meant an increased need for knowledgeable members and staff. AFSCME began an education program around 1962, and by 1966 the International Union had established the Education and Leadership Training Department, later known simply as the Education Department.

Part one of this collection contains materials produced during the union's efforts to organize local organizations into AFSCME, including member education on matters of negotiating and enforcing a contract. Records were created between 1970 and 1973, and illustrate the functions of the Education and Leadership Training Department as an entity that worked closely with the Organizing Department and the Office of the President. Much of the material in part one of this collection makes the case for organizations to affiliate with AFSCME, both through policy and legislation as well as training for individual workers on matters of organizing, contract negotiations, and contract enforcement. A majority of the material in part one was produced in relation to the organizing work of Al Bilik, who served as AFSCME Assistant to the President.

Part two relates to the operation of the education department as well as specific programs, such as the AFSCME Staff Intern Program, which recruited members of AFSCME locals for staff training. Participants attended classes in Washington, DC, and then worked in the field. Some successful participants were offered staff positions at headquarters, councils, or locals at the conclusion of the internship. Materials include field education staff reports, correspondence, staff and member training materials, and meeting notes.

American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Lodge 176

aorchard — Wed, 29 Oct 2014 16:24:58 -0400

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Lodge 176 is a local, Detroit-based branch of the national labor union, the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE). The AFGE was founded in 1932 by unions loyal to the American Federation of Labor (AFL). It is composed of a federation of local unions and is led by a National Executive Council. The AFGE became affiliated with the AFL-CIO in 1955.

The AFGE Lodge 176 Records consist of the constitution and bylaws, legal legislation and court cases, financial reports, correspondence, and convention materials of the Lodge 176 branch of the AFGE from 1935 to 1957. Much of the correspondence is between Howard C. Myers, who was the president of the AFGE Lodge 176 during this period, and either James B. Burns, who was the president of the national AFGE, or Frank X. Martel, who was the president of the Detroit and Wayne County Federation of Labor. A large portion of the material concerns the fight for overtime pay and related violations.

(29466) "If You Work - You Need OSHA," American Federation of Govenment Employees, Demonstration, Washington, D.C., 1995

aorchard — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 11:19:59 -0500

Attendees hold signs advocating for OSHA at the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) vs. OSHA cuts demonstration in Washington, D.C., September 5, 1995.

(29467) "Hands Off Our Retirement," American Federation of Govenment Employees, Demonstration, Washington, D.C., 1995

aorchard — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 11:19:59 -0500

American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) vs. OSHA cuts demonstration in Washington, D.C., September 5, 1995.

(29468) American Federation of Govenment Employees, Washington, D.C., 1995

aorchard — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 11:19:59 -0500

Demonstrators carry signs advocating the benefits of OSHA at the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) vs. OSHA cuts demonstration in Washington, D.C., September 5, 1995.