Collection context
Summary
- Creators:
- Southern California Library for Social Studies and Research
- Abstract:
- This is a collection of materials from over 150 unions spanning the decades from the 1920s through the 1980s. The variety of material types is immense including: by-laws, constitutions, contracts and agreements, newsletters, fliers, financial records, minutes, correspondence, reports, organizing materials, manuals, and posters. There is a small amount of Spanish-language material. The majority of the material comes from unions active in the Southern California area.
- Extent:
- 25 legal boxes, 4 letter boxes, 2 legal half boxes; 10 linear feet
- Language:
- English.
Background
- Scope and content:
-
The collection has files for over 150 unions, the majority of which were active in Southern California. It covers most of the 20th century spanning the decades from the 1920s through the 1980s. Virtually all types of records appear in the files. A partial list of material types includes: by-laws, constitutions, agreements and contracts, minutes, correspondence, financial records, reports, newsletters, fliers, organizing and educational materials, membership lists, salary schedules and posters. There is a small amount of Spanish-language material in the files of: the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America, California Agricultural Workers Union, International Ladies Garment Workers Union, International Seamens' Union, United Farm Workers, United Electrical, Radio, and Machine Workers of America, United Teachers Los Angeles, United Steel Workers of America, and United Automobile, Aircraft and Agricultural Implement Workers of America.
There is an un-numbered series for each union represented in the collection.
The series are arranged alphabetically by union name.
- Biographical / historical:
-
The Union Files Collection was created by Southern California Library founder Emil Freed and labor activist and California CIO President James L. Daugherty. Both men were committed to advancing the union movement of the 20th century and had the foresight to see the value of preserving the materials of that movement. The collection materials were obtained by Freed, Daugherty and other activists, organizers and supporters of unions and working people.
- Acquisition information:
- Donated by James L. Daugherty and Library founder Emil Freed
Access and use
- Location of this collection:
-
6120 S. Vermont AvenueLos Angeles, CA 90044, US
- Contact:
- (323) 759-6063