AFSCME. International Convention

AFSCME Administration Department Records

jruss — Tue, 13 Aug 2013 16:02:10 -0400

The Administration Office existed for a number of years in the 1960s and 1970s. When it dissolved, its duties were transferred to other departments. Its convention planning duties were handled by the Office of the President for a time and are currently enacted by the Conference and Travel Services Department. Its other duties were assumed by the AFSCME Business Office. Records in this collection include subject files on areas of interest to AFSCME; correspondence from councils and locals; and information on President Jerry Wurf's public relations and special event activities. Also included are committee reports from the 1960-1970 conventions, with most of the focus on the 1965 Special Constitutional Convention, the 1968 convention, and the 1970 convention.

AFSCME Business Office Records

jruss — Thu, 15 Aug 2013 12:58:58 -0400

The AFSCME Business Office historically has handled financial matters for the union, and its activities are largely reported on by the Office of the Secretary-Treasurer. For a time, it was involved in the planning of the AFSCME biennial convention, as well as the numerous other, smaller meetings and conferences that AFSCME hosts throughout the year. Its name as of 2013 was the Financial Services Department, which includes Accounting, Auditing, and Benefits. This collection includes budgets for AFSCME International; information on the planning, scheduling, and programming of AFSCME conventions, conferences, and meetings; material related to various AFSCME departments; information on contracts and insurance programs; and a handful of other files about subjects and organizations of interest to AFSCME.

AFSCME Communications Department Records

jruss — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 14:06:22 -0400

AFSCME has produced a regularly published magazine since its inception. Publication duties for this organ and other materials were accomplished by the Education and Publications Department for the first twenty years of AFSCME’s existence. The 1954 Convention, however, passed Resolution 14, establishing a Publications and Public Relations Department. This new department would continue to publish the AFSCME magazine and other materials and would also take on new media public relations duties both at headquarters, and importantly, in the field. Recognizing that current field staff’s duties did not include crafting AFSCME’s message during organizing campaigns and strikes, it was hoped that the new department would provide skilled public relations professionals on the ground. The new department was created on April 1, 1956. The Publications and Public Relations Department existed until 1971 when the name was changed to the Public Affairs Department. This existed until 2011 when the name was changed again to the Communications Department.

The AFSCME Communications Department Records document the public activities of the Department, AFSCME International, and AFSCME officials. Records include speech transcripts; press releases; surveys and polls; documents related to AFSCME biennial conventions such as transcripts of proceedings, correspondence, and planning documents; correspondence; publications; meeting minutes; clippings; photographs, slides, and negatives; audio and video recordings; and posters.

AFSCME Office of the President: Gerald W. McEntee Records

jruss — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:07:42 -0400

Gerald W. McEntee became president of AFSCME in 1981. Some of the issues reflected in Part I of this collection include the anti-apartheid movement; health care reform, especially under the Clinton White House; affirmative action; AIDS; presidential politics and union campaign support; international labor relations; and legislative affairs. The records also include information on state locals and councils, AFSCME's relationship to other labor unions and organizations, and AFSCME's judicial panel cases.

Part II of the AFSCME Office of the President: Gerald McEntee Records consists of documents created mostly between 1996 and 2003, while the bulk of Part I was created between 1981 and 1995. As a result, Part II contains evidence of AFSCME’s reactions to changes in the labor movement in a post-NAFTA economy. These changes are evident in the internal functions of AFSCME’s Executive Office, affiliates, and in the union’s work within the AFL-CIO and allied organizations.

AFSCME Office of the Secretary-Treasurer: Gordon Chapman/Joseph Ames Records

jruss — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:47:43 -0500

This collection primarily covers the end of Gordon Chapman’s tenure as Secretary-Treasurer, and all of Joseph Ames’s tenure. These years saw turbulence in the International Union’s politics where founding incumbent president Arnold Zander faced challenges from an opposing faction called the Committee on Union Responsibility (COUR). COUR candidate Jerry Wurf won the presidency at the 1964 convention. Gordon Chapman held the office of Secretary-Treasurer. In 1966, Chapman retired due to poor health. He was replaced by Joseph Ames who had been President Wurf's assistant. Ames served as Secretary-Treasurer until 1972 when he became Judicial Panel Chairman, and William Lucy, then President Wurf's assistant, became Secretary-Treasurer.

The early records in this collection document the activities of President Zander's assistant Leo Kramer and COUR, illustrating their rival campaigns. The later records in this collection document the activities of the Office of the Secretary-Treasurer, including finances, conventions, International Executive Board meetings, correspondence and speeches, political activities, legislation, files on councils and locals, and files on various associations with which AFSCME had relationships.

AFSCME Publications

mcourtney — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 11:10:47 -0400

AFSCME Publications is a collection comprised of serials created and collected by AFSCME International, District Councils, and Locals. The collection also contains material produced as part of AFSCME’s biannual international conventions and articles published about AFSCME from an academic standpoint. The publications in this collection arrived at the Reuther Library over time and came from multiple sources.

The collection features AFSCME’s official publication, which was first known as The Journal of State and Local Government Employees (1937-1947), then Public Employee (1947-2007), and later, AFSCME WORKS (2007-2017). Much of the collection is made up of newsletters produced at the Council or Local level between 1968 and 1974, illustrating the issues relevant to different types of AFSCME workers during a formative time for the Union.

Note that this collection was updated in September 2019 with the final issues of AFSCME Works and issues of Council 5's Stepping Up.

Nelson Mandela, AFSCME, and Detroit in 1990

mcourtney — Fri, 20 Jun 2014 17:35:56 -0400

On June 28, 1990, AFSCME members welcomed Nelson Mandela to their biannual convention in Miami, Florida, chanting, “Mandela, yes! Apartheid, no!” read more »

Podcast: Jessica Levy on "Black Power, Inc.: Global American Business and the Post-Apartheid City"

mcourtney — Mon, 09 Jul 2018 11:00:15 -0400

Check out the latest episode of Tales From the Reuther Library, our bi-weekly podcast! This episode, Jessica Levy explains how American corporations and black entrepreneurs worked together to forge a new politics linking American business with black liberation at home and abroad, focusing particularly on Leon Howard Sullivan, read more »

AFSCME Convention Announcements and Program, 1936

scaloia — Mon, 04 Feb 2019 16:04:45 -0500

Information on the first Biennial Convention for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) at the Book-Cadillac Hotel in Detroit, MI, September 17-19, 1936. Includes information on hotel facilities and Convention program including a list of invited speakers. It reads, in part, "The deliberations of the convention will be concerned with the disposition of resolutions, problems of organization, matters of policy, amendments to the constitution, plans for proposed state and local legislation, a program of education and public welfare, the reports of officers, and the election of officers. Most informative discussions are anticipated."

(7534) Mandela arrives, 1990 AFSCME Convention

jruss — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:24:59 -0400

In June 1990, just after Nelson Mandela was released from prison, members of the Free South Africa Movement, a collaboration of various civil rights groups in the U.S. arranged an American tour for the Africa National Congress President. One of his stops included an address of the AFSCME International Convention in Miami, Florida. Here, Mandela and his then wife, Winnie, arrive in Miami.

(7536) Mandela arrives, 1990 AFSCME Convention

jruss — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:29:48 -0400

AFSCME International President Gerald McEntee (shaking Mandela's hand) and AFSCME International Secretary-Treasurer William Lucy (left, with back to camera) greet Nelson Mandela as he arrives to address the 1990 AFSCME International Convention.

(7537) Mandela speaks, 1990 AFSCME Convention

jruss — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:33:07 -0400

AFSCME International Secretary-Treasurer William Lucy chats with Nelson and Winnie Mandela before Nelson Mandela addresses the 1990 AFSCME International Convention.

(8874) Gordon Chapman

jruss — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 09:57:23 -0500

Former Secretary-Treasurer Gordon Chapman speaks at the 1960 AFSCME International Convention in Philadelphia.

(8875) Gordon Chapman and Arnold Zander

jruss — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 10:06:27 -0500

AFSCME President Arnold Zander (right) and Secretary-Treasurer Gordon Chapman at the 1954 International Convention.

(8880) First AFSCME Convention

jruss — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:15:07 -0500

The AFSCME convention took place at the Book-Cadillac Hotel in Detroit, Michigan in 1936. AFSCME President Arnold Zander is seated with folded hands in the center front. Behind and to his left is Secretary-Treasurer Roy Kubista.

(8881) Second AFSCME Convention

jruss — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:21:45 -0500

Delegates to the 1937 AFSCME International Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

(10702) 1974 Convention

jruss — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:12:26 -0400

AFSCME leaders appear on stage at the 1974 International Convention in Honolulu, Hawaii. From left: Secretary-Treasurer William Lucy, Gerald McEntee who became International President in 1981, Judicial Panel head Joseph Ames, and William McEntee, father of president McEntee, former president of District Council 33 in Philadelphia, and former International Vice President.

(11307) 1940 AFSCME Convention

jruss — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:00:55 -0400

Secretary-Treasurer Gordon Chapman addresses the 1940 AFSCME Convention in Duluth, Minnesota, as President Arnold Zander listens.

(11308) 1940 AFSCME Convention

jruss — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:06:14 -0400

Delegates at the 1940 AFSCME Convention in Duluth, Minnesota, cast ballots as officials Gordon Chapman and Arnold Zander (far right) look on.

(11309) 1948 AFSCME Convention

jruss — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:17:03 -0400

AFSCME President Arnold Zander speaks at the 1948 Convention in Boston, Massachusetts.

(11310) 1952 Convention Registration

jruss — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:33:33 -0400

Delegates line up for registration at the 1952 AFSCME Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

(11311) 1952 Convention

jruss — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:37:24 -0400

Women delegates and guests at the 1952 AFSCME Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

(11312) 1954 AFSCME Convention

jruss — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 11:03:06 -0400

At the 1954 AFSCME Convention in Los Angeles, AFSCME officials count votes on an amendment about increasing the number of votes for large locals. From left: Secretary-Treasurer Gordon Chapman, Atlanta delegate Julia Elliot, Minneapolis delegate Richard Moe, and Philadelphia delegate Allen Blackwell.

(11313) 1954 AFSCME Convention

jruss — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 11:27:36 -0400

Members of the Michigan delegation line up to vote for executive board members at the 1954 AFSCME Convention in Los Angeles.

(11314) 1954 AFSCME Convention

jruss — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 11:42:16 -0400

The Committee on Officers Reports at the 1954 AFSCME Convention in Los Angeles. Chairman of the committee from Pennsylvania Local 427, William McEntee, is seated in the center of the front row. McEntee’s son, Gerald McEntee, became AFSCME International President in 1981.

(11315) 1954 AFSCME Convention

jruss — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 11:48:15 -0400

In AFSCME’s publication, The Public Employee, this image from the 1954 Convention in Los Angeles carried the caption, “...time out for wives while husbands vote...Mrs. J.R. Smith and Mrs. L.H. Brauer, both of Pueblo, Colorado.”

(11316) 1954 AFSCME Convention

jruss — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 11:52:25 -0400

Delegates line up to enter the 1954 AFSCME Convention in Los Angeles.

(11317) 1954 AFSCME Convention

jruss — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 11:58:22 -0400

Secretary-Treasurer Gordon Chapman (left) and President Arnold Zander at the 1954 AFSCME Convention in Los Angeles.

(11318) 1956 AFSCME Convention

jruss — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:04:16 -0400

Convention delegates line up to speak on the floor of the 1956 AFSCME Convention in Detroit. Joe Murphy of Wisconsin has the microphone here.

(11319) 1956 AFSCME Convention - International Guests

jruss — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:10:48 -0400

Congressman Francisco Aguirre Alegria, representing the Mexican Federation of Government Workers, and Chief Olusimi Beyioku, general secretary of the Nigeria Ports Authority, were among the members of the international trade union movement who were guests at the AFSCME 1956 Convention in Detroit.

(11322) 1956 AFSCME Convention

jruss — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:43:13 -0400

AFSCME President Arnold Zander (right) shakes hands with International Vice President Alvin Ruthenberg at the 1956 Convention in Detroit.

(11323) 1956 AFSCME Convention

jruss — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:49:10 -0400

AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer William F. Schnitzler addresses the 1956 AFSCME Convention in Detroit.

(11324) 1956 AFSCME Convention

jruss — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:54:25 -0400

AFL-CIO Director of Organization, John Livingston, addresses the 1956 AFSCME Convention in Detroit.

(11325) 1956 AFSCME Convention

jruss — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:04:53 -0400

Congressman Francisco Aguirre Alegria addresses the 1956 AFSCME Convention in Detroit on behalf of the Mexican Federation of Government Workers.

(11326) 1956 AFSCME Convention

jruss — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:16:30 -0400

Pauline Eisinger, member of AFSCME State Council 7 in Michigan and President of the Michigan Federation of Women's Auxiliaries of Labor, addresses the 1956 AFSCME Convention in Detroit.

(11327) 1956 AFSCME Convention

jruss — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:25:11 -0400

International Vice Presidents share a toast at the 1956 AFSCME Convention in Detroit. From left: Alvin Ruthenberg, Margaret De Santis, Mary Hostettler, William Louscher, and Harold Kelly.

(11328) 1958 AFSCME Convention

jruss — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:58:09 -0400

International Vice President and Chairman of Officers’ Reports Steve Clark addresses the 1958 AFSCME Convention in Long Beach, California, as President Arnold Zander looks on.

(11329) 1958 AFSCME Convention

jruss — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:03:47 -0400

Delegates at the 1958 AFSCME Convention in Long Beach, California look at a display from the Building Booster Fund that depicts AFSCME staffers at work in the recently purchased headquarters building in Washington, D.C.

(11330) 1958 AFSCME Convention

jruss — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:10:46 -0400

Delegates on the floor at the 1958 AFSCME Convention in Long Beach, California.

(11331) 1958 AFSCME Convention

jruss — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:15:57 -0400

This image from the 1958 AFSCME Convention in Long Beach, California ran in The Public Employee with the caption, “Wives of delegates and woman guests attend the fashion show and luncheon...a special feature for the ladies...arranged by the California convention committee.”

(11332) 1958 AFSCME Convention

jruss — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:20:30 -0400

The Albins, a comedy dance team, entertains the delegates at the 1958 AFSCME Convention banquet in Long Beach, California.

(11333) 1960 AFSCME Convention

jruss — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:50:28 -0400

Delegates listen to AFSCME President Arnold Zander’s address at the 1960 Convention in Philadelphia.

(11334) 1960 AFSCME Convention

jruss — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:59:29 -0400

UAW President Walter Reuther addresses the 1960 AFSCME Convention in Philadelphia.

(11335) 1960 AFSCME Convention

jruss — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 12:03:31 -0400

Secretary-Treasurer Gordon Chapman addresses the 1960 AFSCME Convention in Philadelphia.

(11336) 1960 AFSCME Convention

jruss — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 12:08:23 -0400

William McEntee, president of AFSCME District Council 33 in Philadelphia, addresses the 1960 Convention in his hometown. William McEntee’s son, Gerald McEntee, became AFSCME International President in 1981.

(11337) 1960 AFSCME Convention

jruss — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 12:13:30 -0400

At the 1960 Convention in Philadelphia, AFSCME President Arnold Zander shares the gavel with convention host William McEntee, District Council 33’s president.

(11338) 1960 AFSCME Convention

jruss — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 12:21:02 -0400

At the AFSCME 1960 Convention in Philadelphia, Gerald McEntee (left), Jim Drew, and William Layman discuss the Industrial Union Department of the AFL-CIO. McEntee went on to become AFSCME President in 1981.

(11339) 1960 AFSCME Convention

jruss — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 13:23:45 -0400

Delegates line up to vote for the international vice presidents of the executive board at the 1960 AFSCME Convention in Philadelphia.

(11340) 1960 AFSCME Convention

jruss — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 13:31:12 -0400

Mayor of Philadelphia Richardson Dilworth addresses the 1960 AFSCME Convention held in his city.

(11341) 1960 AFSCME Convention

jruss — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 13:35:34 -0400

The Convention Committee for the AFSCME 1960 Convention in Philadelphia planned the event and included Gerald McEntee (back row, third from left) who became President in 1981.