DUTIES AS A REGIONAL ORGANIZER
Scope and Content Note: At first, Wallig responsible for serving fifty-five FLU's, installing officers and settling infights at central labor bodies. Relatively little organizing work; most time spent servicing larger unions, although FLU 19806 at A.0. Smith didn't want any help. At La Crosse in 1955 was involved in particularly difficult five-year contract negotiations with Trane Co. Strike lasting from May to mid-September was not bitter, but difficult and lengthy negotiations held during the period. After merger, more stuff and perhaps more confusion occurred as FLU's were being absorbed by internationals. Gives example of confusion at the Babcock and Wilcox Company. Most frustrating situations occurred when in the midst of helping organization work for one international, another would intrude, and past efforts would all be lost. AFL staff set up organizing structure, but international itself ran campaign. Provides several anecdotes, one about Kiekhaefer Corporation in Cedarburg-Grafton area, whose workforce comprised of many farmers who worked on third shift. Wallig became an expert on finding such workers on their tractors in Random Lake area during campaign run by Gil Brunner and machinists. Another anecdote about battery factory at Wausau which moved to Waco, Texas and went broke. Recalls how he was criticized for encouraging FLU workers there to join IBEW.