Woodcock, Leonard

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.

Ernest J. Moran Papers

abarker — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:39:31 -0400

Ernest Moran was a negotiator for the United Auto Workers (UAW) and Administrative Assistant to UAW President Leonard Woodcock. Mr. Moran’s papers reflect his work for the UAW, particularly as a chief negotiator with auto and aerospace corporations.

UAW Local 157 Records

drice — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 11:29:22 -0400

United Auto Workers Local 157 was an amalgamated tool and die local on the west side of Detroit, serving numerous shops. The records of the local document it operations and relationships with various companies whose employees they represented.

UAW Local 199 Records

drice — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:18:35 -0400

United Auto Workers Local 199 was charted in 1936 in St. Catherines, Canada. It represented employees of McKinnon Industries, a subsidiary of General Motors. Records of the local reflect primarily the its financial, executive, and bargaining activities.

UAW Local 239 Records

drice — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 16:25:38 -0400

United Auto Workers Local 239 serviced General Motors plant employees in Baltimore, MD. The records of the local reflect its activities as representative of Fisher Body Plant workers, before they merged with Local 678, Chevrolet assembly operations.

UAW Local 280 Records

drice — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 16:15:24 -0400

United Auto Workers Local 280 has served employees of the Continental Motors Corporation, Continental Aviation and Engineering Corporation and the Kaiser Corporation Detroit Engine Plant in Detroit, MI. The records of this local particularly document the problems which arise with the closing of a plant, such as the Detroit Engine Plant in 1954.

UAW Local 602 Records

drice — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:22:09 -0400

United Auto Worker Local 602 services Fisher Body Division of General Motors in Lansing, MI. The local's records document routine operations as well as its contribution to the development of the UAW and the advancement of labor in the community.

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 President's Office: Leonard Woodcock Records

drice — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 10:32:16 -0400

Leonard Woodcock was named President of the UAW in May 1970, following the death of Walter P. Reuther. He was elected to a full term in April, 1972, and again in 1974. In 1970 as UAW President Woodcock led a 67 day strike against General Motors which resulted in securing the “30 and out” retirement program and restoring full cost of living benefits. In the 1973 negotiations Woodcock secured further benefits for auto workers including dental insurance, restrictions on overtime, improved COLA and SUB benefits, and stronger health and safety benefits. In the 1976 negotiations the union won hearing aid and vision care as well as reduced overtime. Leonard retired from the UAW in 1977 and was succeeded by Douglas A. Fraser as union president. Following his retirement from the UAW, Woodcock was nominated by President Jimmy Carter to the position of Chief of the U.S. Liaison Office in the People’s Republic of China. He then became the first U.S. ambassador to the country since World War II. In 1980 Woodcock returned from China to accept a position in the Center for Chinese Studies at the University of Michigan.

Part 1 covers subjects such as UAW GM Dept.; IMF; NAACP; UAW locals and regions; civil rights; health care; National Commission on Productivity; and Alliance for Labor Action.

Part 2 represents subject files and International Executive Board files not represented in Office of the President Part I. The subject files provide information regarding negotiations and contract proposals with various companies. The International Executive Board Files demonstrate the interaction between the Office of the President and International Executive Board of the union.

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.

Leonard Woodcock Papers

aorchard — Thu, 06 Oct 2016 11:54:47 -0400

Leonard Woodcock was a longtime labor figure who rose to the level of President of the UAW in 1970 and held the position until 1977. He then embarked on a renowned diplomatic career, first leading a mission to recover POW's and remains of those missing in action in Vietnam in 1977, and then serving as Chief of the US Liaison Office to the People’s Republic of China (PRC). While in China, he negotiated with PRC leaders to establish full diplomatic relations between China and the US, officially achieved in late 1978. President Carter appointed Woodcock as the nation’s first ambassador to the PRC in 1979. After leaving the State Department, Woodcock would become a professor at the University of Michigan and was invited around the world to lecture on Sino-American relations and the labor movement. The Leonard Woodcock Papers primarily cover the subject’s time spent in China and his various China-related activities. The earliest of these materials document his efforts working for the US government in Beijing, though also included are records related to visits made to China in the following years to speak on Sino-American relations. Other records reflect Woodcock’s later career as a renowned Sinologist, teaching courses at the University of Michigan and guest lecturing around the nation. Besides Woodcock’s time in China, other topics included are materials from his time as president of the UAW, general correspondence, and serving on the Board of Governors at Wayne State University. Complementing the manuscript materials on Woodcock's diplomatic career in China are 37 oral history interviews on this topic conducted between him and fellow Sinologist Michel Oksenberg.

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 »

Collection Spotlight: Leonard Woodcock Papers

gstrassel — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 16:45:59 -0400

The Walter P. Reuther Library is honored to announce the opening of the The Leonard Woodcock Papers. Leonard Woodcock orchestrated profound accomplishments in a variety of fields, notably as head of the UAW and later as Ambassador to China, making these historical records a valuable resource to a wide range of researchers. read more »

General Gordon Baker, Jr.: A Detroit Revolutionary to the Core

ljones — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 16:45:45 -0400

There is a select group of people who place the needs of others above their own, do so against formidable forces and at great risk to their own welfare and well-being. They take these risks never knowing exactly how they will fare, but recognizing that their convictions demand that they cannot do otherwise. General Gordon Baker, Jr., a Detroit revolutionary, was among this select group of people. On May 24, 2014, a packed audience at Dearborn, Michigan’s UAW Local 600 memorialized his life that ended six days before. It was there that attendees gave tribute to a man whose impact did not pass with his death. read more »

Local Chapters Unite: The UAW and its Divided Opinion on Bussing in Pontiac Schools

Public Relations Team — Thu, 06 Jan 2022 14:47:38 -0500

Why was the United Auto Workers union involved in the highly controversial legal issue of racially-integrating busing policies in the Pontiac school district? From an outsider’s perspective, there is no clear link. The issue of forced busing has nothing to do with a worker’s union. However, it is important to remember that these workers went home to their families each night. read more »

The Archives at 50: Remembering our Dedication Day, May 23, 1975

eclemens — Fri, 23 May 2025 10:31:14 -0400

This blog post is part of a series celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Reuther Library's building.

May 23, 2025, marks the 50th anniversary of the Walter P. Reuther Library building – home to the largest labor archives in North America and the Wayne State University Archives. read more »

(11371) Auto Industry, Unemployment, 1956

eclemens — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 13:35:31 -0400

Members of a "task force" created to combat unemployment in the auto industry, including United Auto Workers union officials and mayors of midwestern cities.

Left to right: Mayor Albert Zack, Hamtramck, Michigan; Mayor Frank Ziedler, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Mayor Ollie Czelusta, Toledo, Ohio; Mayor George Algoe, Flint, Michigan; Walter Reuther, president of the UAW; Governor G. Mennen WIlliams of Michigan; William E. Steiner, Mayor of Muskegon, Michigan; Emil Mazey, secretary-treasurer of the UAW; Leonard Woodcock, vice-president of the UAW. Members not shown include the mayors of South Bend, Indiana; Detroit, Michigan; and Pontiac, Michigan.

(11528) Kennedy, Woodcock, Convention, Atlanic City, New Jersey, 1959

eclemens — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:14:58 -0500

Senator John F. Kennedy (D-Massachutsetts) speaks with reporters at the 1959 convention, Atlantic City, New Jersey. At his right is Leonard Woodcock.

(11531) Chavez, Woodcock, Conventions, Atlantic CIty, New Jersey, 1972

eclemens — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:06:50 -0500

Cesar Chavez and Leonard Woodcock embrace on the dais at the 1972 general convention, Atlantic City, New Jersey.

(11545) Reuther, Woodcock, Stevenson, 1952

eclemens — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:26:19 -0500

UAW Vice President Leonard Woodcock (left), and Director of the UAW Citizenship Department Roy Reuther (center) meet with Adlai Stevenson during his 1952 presidential campaign.

(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.

(25369) Civil Rights, Demonstrations, Grosse Pointe, Michigan, 1963

eclemens — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 12:15:03 -0400

Leonard Woodcock addresses civil rights activists and supporters on the grounds of Grosse Pointe (South) High School during an demonstration against housing discrimination. The demonstration started as a march of 600 NAACP activists and supporters at the intersection of Cadieux and Kercheval in Grosse Pointe. The group grew to an estimated crowd of 2,000 by the time it reached its end at the high school, picking up supporters along its route through business and residential areas.

Left of Woodcock is Michigan Governor George Romney, who made a surprise appearance at the rally. To the right of Woodcock, partially obscured by his arm, is Edward Turner, president of the Detroit NAACP.

(25608) Civil Rights, Demonstrations, "March Against Repression," Atlanta, 1970

eclemens — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 10:43:28 -0400

The March Against Oppression “Liberation Train” makes its way through the streets of Atlanta. Participants carry signs that read “No More! Augusta--Jackson- Kent-Cambodia- Vietnam” and “How Many More Must Die?”. Leading the group is Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) president Rev. Ralph Abernathy and United Auto Workers (UAW) president Leonard Woodcock.

(25609) Civil Rights, Demonstrations, "March Against Repression," Atlanta, 1970

eclemens — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 10:47:35 -0400

Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) president Rev. Ralph Abernathy and United Auto Workers (UAW) president Leonard Woodcock carry coffins as the March Against Oppression “Liberation Train” makes its way through the streets of Atlanta. The two coffins symbolize the recent deaths of eight African Americans in Augusta and Jackson. On the right side of right coffin, wearing denim jacket, is Walter Fauntroy, the SCLC legislative counsel in Washington.

(25628) Civil Rights, Demonstrations, "March Against Repression," Atlanta, 1970

eclemens — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 10:49:48 -0400

(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.

(28580) Walter Reuther, Leonard Woodcock, Negotiations, 1970

eclemens — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 12:32:55 -0400

Candid view of Walter Reuther and Leonard Woodcock during the 1970 UAW / General Motors contract negotiations.

(28665) Leonard Woodcock, General Motors Negotiations, 1970s

eclemens — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 09:20:56 -0400

George Morris, vice-president of Labor Relations for General Motors, and Leonard Woodcock, president of the UAW, shake hands at the start of contract negotiations. The event took place in the General Motors Building in Midtown Detroit.

(28781) Presidents, Jimmy Carter, Leonard Wookcock, 1976

eclemens — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 12:46:36 -0400

UAW president Leonard Woodcock with U.S. presidential hopeful Jimmy Carter at an unidentified event.

(28783) Presidents, Campaigns, Jimmy Carter, Dearborn, 1976

eclemens — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 13:16:24 -0400

Jimmy Carter meets with campaign supporters during an event at Fairlane Manor, Dearborn, Michigan.

Left to right: Pete Estes, president of General Motors Corps,; Leonard Woodcock, president of UAW; Jimmy Carter; Detroit Mayor Coleman Young; John Ricardo, Chairman Chrysler Corp.; Henry Ford II, Chairman Ford Motor Co.

(28784) Presidents, Campaigns, Jimmy Carter, Dearborn, 1976

eclemens — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 13:33:51 -0400

Jimmy Carter meets with campaign supporters during an event at Fairlane Manor, Dearborn, Michigan.

Left to right: Detroit Mayor, Coleman Young; Jimmy Carter; president of the UAW, Leonard Woodcock; Henry Ford II, Chairman Ford Motor Co.

(28559) Politics, George McGovern, Ted Kennedy, Detroit, 1972

eclemens — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 09:42:54 -0400

Ted Kennedy gives his endorsement to George McGovern during a campaign rally in Kennedy Square.

Sitting in the rear: Leonard Woodcock William Cahalan, Philip Van Antwerp, Gov. John B. Swainson, and John Conyers.

(28883) Coleman Young, Henry Ford II, Leonard Woodcock, 1970s

eclemens — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 12:16:16 -0400

Coleman Young, Henry Ford II, and Leonard Woodcock.

Photographer's caption: “Politics-Industry-Labor.”

(30608) UAW President Leonard Woodcock, Lordstown, Ohio, 1970

aorchard — Mon, 12 Aug 2013 16:09:25 -0400

UAW President Leonard Woodcock shakes hands with one of the assembly line workers at the Lordstown, Ohio assembly plant.

(35322) Leonard Woodcock and Deng Xiaoping

gstrassel — Wed, 19 Oct 2016 09:17:37 -0400

Meeting between the former American Ambassador to the People's Republic of China, Leonard Woodcock, and PRC founding father Deng Xiaoping.
From left to right: Deng Xiaoping’s daughter, Leonard Woodcock, Deng Xiaoping, Sharon Woodcock.

(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] From Bargaining Table to Diplomatic Table: Leonard Woodcock in China (Part 1)

teller — Thu, 06 May 2021 16:50:23 -0400

[Podcast] From Bargaining Table to Diplomatic Table: Leonard Woodcock in China (Part 2)

teller — Wed, 26 May 2021 11:54:28 -0400

After Leonard Woodcock stepped down as president of the UAW in 1977, U.S. President Jimmy Carter sent him to Beijing as a diplomatic envoy and ultimately as the nation’s first ambassador to the People’s Republic of China. In the second of a two-part interview, his wife Sharon Woodcock talks about Deng Xiaoping's visit to the United States; Leonard Woodcock's work after leaving the State Department, including his work on the Board of Governors of Wayne State University; and his support of the Reuther Library. read more »