Central American Labor Defense Network records, 1971-1991

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Summary

Creators:
Central American Labor Defense Network
Abstract:
The collection contains materials related to labor struggles in Central America, and solidarity between trade unionists in the United States and Central America. These are not the organizational records of the Central American Labor Defense Network, but they do document the pro-labor campaigns the organization participated in, and the support the Network gave to trade unionists in Central America.
Extent:
6.45 linear feet (5 cartons, 1 box)
Language:
English , Spanish; Castilian .
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Central American Labor Defense Network records, BANC MSS 93/95 m,The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection contains materials related to labor struggles in Central America, and solidarity between trade unionists in the United States and Central America. These are not the organizational records of CALDN, but they do document the support the Network gave to trade unionists in Central America and the pro-labor campaigns the organization participated in. A note with the collection indicates these are the files of Executive Director Jenya Cassidy and "Al" - who is likely Al Weintrub, editor of the Network's newsletter.

Materials include brochures and pamphlets; convention proceedings; correspondence; documentation of campaigns and events; information packets; mass mailings; news clippings; newsletters, newspapers, position papers, reports, and other publications; resolutions; and working files, with notes and drafts. Subjects include trade union activities; repression of, and human rights violations against, trade unionists; and U.S. foreign policy. The scope covers all of Central America, but the bulk of the materials focus on struggles in El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Guatemala.

The original order was maintained, and contents of folders were not sorted, so materials on the same topics can be found in different containers. This means there may also be some duplication. Original titles were retained.

Biographical / historical:

The Central American Labor Defense Network (CALDN) was an international solidarity network that provided a way for unionists across the Americas to support each other. CALDN supported trade unionists and defended progressive, democratic unions in Central America. Often this meant responding when union members in Central America were kidnapped, incarcerated, or killed, when unions were busted, or organizers were threatened. Members of the network authorized CALDN to send telexes in their name or place ads in Central American newspapers protesting violations of the rights of trade unionists. CALDN's newsletter provided information about, and mobilized U.S. workers in support of, Central American trade unionists.

Acquisition information:
The Central American Labor Defense Network records were given to The Bancroft Library in 1992 by the Central American Labor Defense Network, via Executive Director, Jenya Cassidy.
Processing information:

Arranged to the folder level

Processed by Marjorie Bryer in 2023.

Accruals:

No future additions are expected.

Physical location:
Many of the Bancroft Library collections are stored offsite and advance notice may be required for use. For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the library's online catalog.
Rules or conventions:
DACS

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

Some materials in these collections may be protected by the U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.). In addition, the reproduction of some materials may be restricted by terms of University of California gift or purchase agreements, donor restrictions, privacy and publicity rights, licensing and trademarks. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by copyright beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owner. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user. For additional information about the University of California, Berkeley Library's permissions policy please see: http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/about/permissions-policies

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Central American Labor Defense Network records, BANC MSS 93/95 m,The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley.

Location of this collection:
University of California, Berkeley, The Bancroft Library
Berkeley, CA 94720-6000, US
Contact:
510-642-6481
bancref-library@berkeley.edu
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