Title: Wisconsin Labor Oral History Project: Paul Russo Interview
Inclusive Dates: 1982

Creator:

• Russo, Paul

Call Number: Tape 975A

Quantity: 3 tape recordings

Repository:

Wisconsin Historical Society, Division of Library, Archives, and Museum Collections

Archival Locations:

Wisconsin Historical Society (Map)

COLLECTION MAY BE STORED OFF-SITE: see catalog entry to request materials and for additional information.

Abstract:

Oral history interview conducted February 25, 1982 by Dale E. Treleven of the Historical Society staff with Paul Russo at La Mesa, California. Russo was an FLU (later UAW-CIO) activist at Nash Motor Co. in Kenosha, Wisconsin (Local 72). He was later an assistant UAW regional organizer until retirement in early 1960's. This interview is part of the Wisconsin Labor Oral History Project.

Language: English

URL to cite for this finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-whs-tape00975a

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In late 1980 the Rockefeller Foundation granted to the State Historical Society of Wisconsin money to support a project to collect oral remembrances of individuals involved in industrial union organizing in Wisconsin. This interview with Paul Russo is part of that project.

The tapes for this interview have two tracks: a voice track containing the discussion, and a time track containing time announcements at intervals of approximately five seconds. The abstract lists, in order of discussion, the topics covered on each tape and indicates the time-marking at which point the beginning of the particular discussion appears.

Thus, the researcher, by using a tape recorder's fast-forward button, may find expeditiously and listen to discrete segments without listening to all of the taped discussion. For instance, the user who wishes to listen to the topic on “EDUCATION OF PAUL RUSSO” should locate the place on the second track of tape one, side one, where the voice announces the 05:55 time-marking (the voice says at this point, “five minutes, fifty-five seconds”), and at this point switch to the first track to hear the discussion. The discussion on “EDUCATION OF PAUL RUSSO” continues until approximately 06:55, at which point discussion of the next topic (“SUMMER WORK DURING HIGH SCHOOL”) begins.

Notice that in most cases, sentences beneath each headline explain more about the contents of the topic. For example, the sentence underneath “EDUCATION OF PAUL RUSSO” gives further details on what appears on the tape between 05:55 and 06:55.

The abstract is designed to provide only a brief outline of the content of the tapes and cannot serve as a substitute for listening to them. However, the abstract will help the researcher to locate distinct topics and discussion among the many minutes of commentary.

The State Historical Society of Wisconsin is the official repository for the noncurrent records of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO and its predecessor organizations, as well as for many other international, national, regional, and local labor unions.

Processing Information

Finding aid prepared by Dale E. Treleven, August 8, 1983.

Tape/Side   1/1 Time   00:00	INTERVIEWER'S INTRODUCTION
Tape/Side   1/1 Time   00:30	INTERVIEWEE EXPRESSES GRATITUDE TO STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF WISCONSIN FOR UNDERTAKING LABOR HISTORY PROJECT
Tape/Side   1/1 Time   01:20	BACKGROUND Scope and Content Note: Paul Mariano Russo born May 23, 1908 in suburbs of Cosenza in southern Italy. Paul, the first born of five children, came to U.S. with parents at age 1-1/2. Father Sam L. Russo; mother Raphaela Ferraro. Father came from small agricultural family and mother's father a small entrepreneur.
Tape/Side   1/1 Time   03:15	FATHER AND GRANDFATHER WORK ON RAILROAD BUILDING CREW IN U.S. BEFORE FAMILY SETTLES IN KENOSHA Scope and Content Note: Both worked in U.S. prior to 1910 laying railway tracks from Omaha to Chicago. Father, before return to Italy for family, promised employment at the American Brass Company in Kenosha. By World War I father had become foreman, supervising three hundred women during war years. Went to work for the Nash Motors Co. after war where wages were better.
Tape/Side   1/1 Time   05:55	EDUCATION OF PAUL RUSSO Scope and Content Note: Entered Bain Elementary School (where Emil Costello helped him enroll), then attended McKinley junior high school before graduating from Kenosha high school in 1928.
Tape/Side   1/1 Time   06:55	SUMMER WORK DURING HIGH SCHOOL Scope and Content Note: Nash Motors had work for “husky high school kids” during rush months. Russo hoped to save enough to enter University of Wisconsin, but plans interrupted by crash in 1929. Remained working at Nash on auto assembly line in final assembly department where cars put together. Russo's work consisted of hanging left rear fender before time of continuous assembly line.
Tape/Side   1/1 Time   10:35	WORKING CONDITIONS AT NASH FROM LATE 1920's to 1933 Scope and Content Note: “Very bad conditions.” In 1929, Russo's job made doubly difficult by faulty engineering; had to use hand punch press to enlarge holes to get proper alignment. Came to work early to stockpile proper pieces for assembly. Complained to foreman during entire summer of 1929. No union, no grievance procedure, no way to redress a wrong; only recourse was to walk out in midst of increasing unemployment.
Tape/Side   1/1 Time   15:30	WAGES Scope and Content Note: Workers referred to them as “starvation wages” in midst of surplus manpower. Employers, including Charles Nash at Nash Motors, cut wages mercilessly, proclaiming periodically wage cuts of five or ten cents per hour. Shows withholding statement of Lawrence Michel for year January 1-December 31, 1932, with total earnings of $282.31. [Donated by Mr. Russo to State Historical Society of Wisconsin.] No labor union and no collective bargaining mechanism to rectify poor wages.
Tape/Side   1/1 Time   19:40	ARBITRARY LAYOFFS Scope and Content Note: Prior to Labor Day 1929 foreman told Russo, far less senior than many workers, that he would be immune to impending layoff. Workers with more service and with families were laid off, demonstrating that without a union, seniority rules and system of layoffs and recalls were dealt with arbitrarily by management. Nash Motors a microcosm of situation for workers all over the country.
Tape/Side   1/1 Time   24:05	UNIONIZATION AT NASH Scope and Content Note: Machinists probably first to organize at Nash around 1929-30, definitely were organized by 1933.
Tape/Side   1/1 Time   24:55	HERBERT HOOVER AND FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT Scope and Content Note: Economic and social injustices during Hoover presidency responsible for FDR's victory in 1932. Workers received right to join union; beginning of mass movement to organize industrial unions. [Mentioned NLRB; meant to say NIRA.]
Tape/Side   1/1 Time   27:35	END OF TAPE 1, SIDE 1
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   00:00	INTERVIEWER'S INTRODUCTION
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   00:30	IMPACT OF DEPRESSION ON YOUNG AMERICANS Scope and Content Note: Many forced to abandon plans and dreams to unknown future.
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   01:40	WORKERS FLOCK TO UNIONS Scope and Content Note: Kenosha no exception to mass production workers rallying to union cause in 1933. Prior to 1933, “Charley” Nash tried to create effective company union, the Ke-Nash-a Club, with credit union, softball games, dances, etc. Nash next attempted to convert club into collective bargaining instrument but workers not benefited. In 1933, group of workers in Russo's final assembly department worked to bring in union. Recalls small group in foundry led by Eugene Stauder before 1933 had petitioned Kenosha Trades and Labor Council (KTLC) for charter.
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   05:40	SITDOWN STRIKE SPURS BEGINNING OF UNION AT NASH Scope and Content Note: First sitdown strike in Wisconsin, according to Russo, took place on November 11, 1933, in Nash final assembly department, and led to effective union organization. Leaders including George Nordstrom, William Kult, Jack Little, and Paul Russo rallied workers to organize after work stoppage occurred. When Charles Nash appeared, leaders demanded improvement in working conditions, increased wages, and seniority rules. Sitdown continued until end of shift, and 1300 workers held meeting at which Felix Olkives, president of KTLC spoke. Formal meeting attended by 2000 workers held in nearby Italian-American Club. Olkives encouraged factory-wide organization, issued charter as Federal Labor Union (FLU) 19008, and 1500 workers joined immediately.
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   11:20	REASONS FOR WORKER MILITANCY AT NASH Scope and Content Note: Accumulation of dissatisfactions and frustrations among workers. Point reached where workers cried “No more of one foot in relief and the one foot in the plant” because they needed food, rent money, and clothing.
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   13:40	FELIX OLKIVES MEETS WITH NASH MANAGEMENT Scope and Content Note: At Olkives' suggestion, assembly workers elected committee of Kult, Nordstrom, and Russo to meet with Nash. Stand-up discussion held in storage room filled with filing cabinets. Charles Nash threatened to close plant, workers responded he should do so because of low worker wages. Nash next used red herring technique but workers retorted that politics were not part of question involving wages, conditions, and seniority. Sitdown strike continued at conclusion of meeting.
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   18:20	ACTION IN OTHER DEPARTMENTS Scope and Content Note: Workers in other departments chose representatives. Sitdown lasted several more days before management called in worker representatives, who were offered wage increases of more than one hundred per cent. Conditions began to be corrected, with seniority promised once union officers elected.
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   20:30	FIRST ELECTION OF UNION OFFICERS Scope and Content Note: On November 15, 1933, members of FLU 19008 elected John Milkent president, Nordstrom secretary, and Russo chairman of bargaining committee. Emphasizes that workers had no formal contract from 1933 to 1939. Every Saturday morning lines of workers paid dues at union office.
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   24:25	STEWARD SYSTEM EVOLVES Scope and Content Note: Grew out of need for some procedure and semblance of organization. Workers and management began to meet at all levels. Only item on paper was listing of seniority rules, drafted only after six-week strike in 1934 involving dispute over management position that seniority be by department as opposed to union position favoring plantwide seniority.
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   27:00	END OF TAPE 1, SIDE 2
Tape/Side   2/1 Time   00:00	INTERVIEWER'S INTRODUCTION
Tape/Side   2/1 Time   00:30	BEGINNING OF MOVEMENT TO JOIN UNITED AUTO WORKERS (UAW) Scope and Content Note: FLU 19008 in 1934 part of National Council of Automobile Workers, comprised of Nash in Milwaukee, Kenosha and Racine, Studebaker in Fort Wayne, Packard in South Bend and Detroit, Hudson in Detroit, Willys-Overland in Toledo, and small number of auto parts plants. Council established to exchange information, agree on uniform wages and working conditions in auto plants, and to pressure American Federation of Labor (AFL) to begin a national automobile union. Strategy was to establish locals on an industrial basis: one plant, one union. AFL showed little interest and inclination to organize industrial plant workers. In Kenosha, union machinists allowed to maintain solidarity with Nash workers in FLU.
Tape/Side   2/1 Time   06:00	AFL CALLS CONVENTION AT DETROIT Scope and Content Note: AFL called conference in August 1935 and FLU 19008 sent twenty-one delegates, including Russo. AFL president Green advised that national auto workers union would be chartered, but that AFL leadership would handpick officers. Auto workers rebelled.
Tape/Side   2/1 Time   08:15	HOMER MARTIN OF AUTO PLANT FLU IN KANSAS CITY Scope and Content Note: Leader of auto workers in discussions with Green, Martin called caucus and opposed AFL selection of officers. Martin promised he would not accept appointive office, but by the end of the day had nonetheless accepted presidency of the international. Russo never trusted Martin from that day on.
Tape/Side   2/1 Time   12:00	AUTO WORKERS TURN TO JOHN L. LEWIS AFTER CONGRESS OF INDUSTRIAL ORGANIZATIONS (CIO) ESTABLISHED Scope and Content Note: Auto workers first to petition CIO for charter. George Addes led CIO auto workers against AFL. After CIO chartered auto workers, struggle began in all locals whether to affiliate with AFL or CIO.
Tape/Side   2/1 Time   14:00	RUSSO FAVORS CIO AFFILIATION Scope and Content Note: Distrusted Homer Martin after lying to caucus. Basic policy of CIO of one union for one plant much more appealing than craft setup AFL, which inevitably would make inroads into FLU. Also, felt that AFL never made concentrated effort to organize industrial workers. Lewis' leadership more militant, “more up to date” in solving workers' problems. “Keep our union intact” the basic reason for favoring CIO.
Tape/Side   2/1 Time   15:55	AFL AND CIO FACTIONS IN FLU 19008 Scope and Content Note: Pro-CIO faction prevailed because many department leaders were old socialists, former railroad men, and mine workers.
Tape/Side   2/1 Time   18:25	PRO-AFL ARGUMENTS Scope and Content Note: That CIO stood for “Communist International Organization,” that it was strike happy, and that CIO was moving too far, too fast. Most harmful to CIO was the red herring.
Tape/Side   2/1 Time   19:45	“SPIRIT OF THE DAY” IS MILITANCY Scope and Content Note: Economic conditions depressed with high unemployment and low wages, affecting CIO rhetoric and plan of action.
Tape/Side   2/1 Time   20:20	CONCERNS OF WORKERS BEYOND SHOP FLOOR Scope and Content Note: Small minority of old socialists knew unionism had to go beyond shop floor problems. Phrase developed to counter red herring, that CIO stood for “Cash In the Overalls.” Plant conditions the basic problems that must be remedied, and must be done by employing a militancy that was not understood by AFL.
Tape/Side   2/1 Time   23:10	COMMUNISTS IN THE CIO Scope and Content Note: Conditions and wages so miserable that “whoever could help towards the correction of these items was accepted.” Few questions asked about a person's political ideology in the 1930's. Only after UAW-CIO became “prosperous and honorable did we start thinking about who was who.” Believes John L. Lewis knowingly employed communists to help organize unions because they had “the knowledge and the guts.” CIO because of militancy anathema to Catholic church.
Tape/Side   2/1 Time   26:15	ASSOCIATION OF CATHOLIC TRADE UNIONISTS (ACTU) Scope and Content Note: Russo was approached by ACTU and Communist Party (CP) alike, but refused to join either because “working people can't afford to be divided” in face of common enemy, the employer.
Tape/Side   2/1 Time   27:55	END OF TAPE 2, SIDE 1
Tape/Side   2/2 Time   00:00	INTERVIEWER'S INTRODUCTION
Tape/Side   2/2 Time   00:30	WISCONSIN UNIONISTS AT 1936 CIO CONVENTION Scope and Content Note: UAW-CIO Local 72, successor to FLU 19008, represented by twenty-two delegates. Two from Wisconsin elected officers: Ed Hall from UAW Local 75 elected secretary-treasurer; F. J. Michels of Local 58 elected first regional director.
Tape/Side   2/2 Time   02:40	ELECTION OF HOMER MARTIN AS PRESIDENT CREATES SPLIT IN LOCAL 72 Scope and Content Note: Walter Reuther from Detroit UAW local among the most dissatisfied.
Tape/Side   2/2 Time   04:25	ROLE OF HARVEY KITZMAN IN 1935-36 Scope and Content Note: Doesn't recall him until J.I. Case strike in Racine in 1939.
Tape/Side   2/2 Time   05:40	EMIL COSTELLO AS AN EFFECTIVE ORGANIZER Scope and Content Note: “I don't know why but I know he was good!” As head of Simmons FLU, Costello led 3000 workers; carried on by helping CIO organizing activity in Milwaukee. Not surprised Costello was elected president of Wisconsin State Industrial Union Council (State IUC) when formed because he was already well-known as a capable organizer. Knowledgeable, had good contacts in Washington in early days of CIO, and was very quotable. Russo managed Costello's successful campaign for seat in Wisconsin Assembly, organizing strategy to register factory workers, talk to key labor leaders and workers at plant gates. Geographically, district included many Italian-American workers. Costello turned out to be very ineffective legislator in large part because “when they're after you, they're after you.”
Tape/Side   2/2 Time   12:30	BACKGROUND OF STRIKE AT NASH MOTORS IN 1939 Scope and Content Note: Local 72 decided to move for formal contract, but further background necessary to understand situation. In 1938, Nash workers at Racine plant chartered as Local 58. About eight or nine hundred workers affected when Nash decided to close plant, offering to integrate Racine workers into Kenosha plant by seniority. UAW-CIO leadership in Detroit agreed to integrate by seniority, at which point CIO faction in Local 72 became stronger because Racine workers were “real CIO people.” Political balance of union was tipped in favor of CIO. George Nordstrom recording secretary of 72, moved to unseat president John Milkent, an AFL sympathizer. Russo asked to run for recording secretary since Racine leadership decided not to run a candidate; both Nordstrom and Russo won handily.
Tape/Side   2/2 Time   17:30	FURTHER BACKGROUND OF NASH STRIKE IN 1939 Scope and Content Note: In 1937, Russo on payroll of John L. Lewis for short time to help organize timber workers at Laona, Wisconsin, with Emil Costello. Funds ran out, Russo returned to Nash, immediately reinstated as chief steward, got involved in controversy over collecting money for union brother whose house had burned down, leading to Russo firing by new labor relations man. Word spread to Racine and Milwaukee plants that Russo, chief steward, was fired and production lines shut down in all three locations for three days while issue resolved. Russo received two weeks of disciplinary layoff for illegal procedure. Russo targeted from two different sources: seen as CIO stereotype by pro-AFL workers; seen as fighter for right causes by pro-CIO workers. Russo well-known by both Racine and Kenosha workers by time it became clear that formal written contract needed with Nash Motors to avoid repeat of similar situation involving a chief steward. No success in negotiating with management over formal contract; strike vote taken, movement followed at bargaining table. Management concessions granted but company would not give up on issue of equal distribution of overtime. Had to strike for six weeks to prevent company from maintaining sole discretion over which workers allowed to work overtime. No worker scabbed during strike.
Tape/Side   2/2 Time   28:30	END OF TAPE 2, SIDE 2
Tape/Side   3/1 Time   00:00	INTERVIEWER'S INTRODUCTION
Tape/Side   3/1 Time   00:30	NO STRIKE AUTHORITY FROM DETROIT Scope and Content Note: R. J. Thomas authorized strike after it was underway. Notes that Local 72 became one of Thomas' favorite. From Local 72 platform came Thomas' response to John L. Lewis' threat to withdraw CIO support for FDR. End result of 1939 strike was that Local 72 obtained first written contract, and set a precedent with vacation and insurance provisions.
Tape/Side   3/1 Time   04:00	RUSSO SUCCEEDS GEORGE NORDSTROM AS LOCAL 72 PRESIDENT Scope and Content Note: Succeeded to the presidency after Nordstrom elected regional director, unanimously elected to a second term, and re-negotiated contract. UAW-CIO favored lend-lease work, which helped to introduce eight-point seniority program where civilian workers could obtain leave-of-absence to take defense jobs but have seniority protected. Russo selected to go to Washington to work on eight-point seniority program in 1941. Whole industry converted shortly after December 7, 1941, with Kenosha plant manufacturing aircraft engine parts.
Tape/Side   3/1 Time   07:55	R. J. THOMAS ASKS RUSSO TO WORK AS INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE Scope and Content Note: Reluctantly accepted. Appointed in 1941 to international staff full-time as assistant director for organization in Chicago in “old region 4.”
Tape/Side   3/1 Time   09:00	COMMENTS ABOUT HAROLD CHRISTOFFEL Scope and Content Note: Little contact with Local 248, which supported Thomas administration. Christoffel believed in the lesser of two evils to sustain international service at Allis-Chalmers. Christoffel couldn't stand either Kitzman or Carlstrom. Russo personally liked Christoffel, respected him as a trade unionist who produced fine contract and wage results with a “tough, reactionary company. That company deserved a man like Harold Christoffel.” A-C management tougher than Nash, which fell in line with management-labor relations in auto industry.
Tape/Side   3/1 Time   14:00	BOUNDARIES OF “OLD REGION 4” OF UAW-CIO Scope and Content Note: Included Chicago and southeastern Wisconsin.
Tape/Side   3/1 Time   14:35	BLACKS AND WOMEN IN WORK FORCE DURING WORLD WAR II Scope and Content Note: Last couple of years during war saw scarce manpower; employers hired women and blacks. Toughest problem was lack of experience; management with union support instituted training programs. Contrasts Kenosha in 1930's where no women on Nash assembly line and blacks only hired for foundry work; emphasizes that blacks like others in Nash union supported sitdown strike. When foundry closed a few years later, several hundred blacks with seniority rights integrated into work force of other departments. During World War II, blacks and women recruited from outside Kenosha. Union insisted on equal pay and contract rights after probationary period on the job.
Tape/Side   3/1 Time   19:25	VETERANS RETURN TO WORK AFTER WORLD WAR II Scope and Content Note: Well understood that veterans would return to jobs on seniority basis. Surge in domestic production took care of large proportion of Nash work force.
Tape/Side   3/1 Time   20:35	INTERPRETATION OF WALTER REUTHER'S ASCENDANCY TO PRESIDENCY OF UAW-CIO Scope and Content Note: Left-right terms cannot be discussed unless defining issue. In terms of economics for the auto worker, Reuther was to right of Thomas because of latter's improvement during presidency. Foreign affairs is another issue; personalities a more important consideration. Reuther's rivalry with Thomas more of a personal power struggle instead of one based on ideology. Not certain about Addes, who Russo disliked. “My man was R. J. Thomas,” because of Thomas' strong support for Local 72 workers. In terms of international policies, Russo couldn't desert Thomas for Reuther, which Reuther interpreted to mean that Russo disliked him. Russo's break with Reuther, however, came over appointments, placing Harvey Kitzman in regional directorship where he became a “yes man.” Individuals like Reuther, Kitzman, and Carlstrom were “good guys,” but not militant enough to suit Russo. Still, Russo supported Reuther after his election to presidency.
Tape/Side   3/1 Time   26:50	REUTHER ASSIGNS RUSSO TO WASHINGTON, D.C. IN 1947 Scope and Content Note: Russo sent to Washington on special assignment to expedite processing of cases before NLRB, and to assemble materials on congressmen and senators leading up to 1948 election.
Tape/Side   3/1 Time   28:50	END OF TAPE 3, SIDE 1
Tape/Side   3/2 Time   00:00	INTERVIEWER'S INTRODUCTION
Tape/Side   3/2 Time   00:35	UAW-CIO SUPPORTS HARRY TRUMAN IN 1948 Scope and Content Note: After election, Russo assigned to assist director of UAW aircraft department. Took him across the country for work mainly on coasts. Aircraft departments after World War II reduced, but many plants reopened after Korean War began. Helped to conduct fierce organizing campaigns against IAM which had prior jurisdiction in many plants. By time Korean War ended, UAW aircraft department second in size only to GM department.
Tape/Side   3/2 Time   04:35	ORGANIZING IN “OLD REGION 4” DURING WORLD WAR II Scope and Content Note: Ten thousand workers at Douglas aircraft, 9000 at Studebaker aircraft engine plant, 5000 at Dodge engine plant, and 3,000 at Bendix aircraft parts plant. Gained experience there for later assignments. During Korean War, sought to raise aircraft worker benefits to those of auto workers. Led first strike in aircraft plants to replace vicious, inequitable merit wage system.
Tape/Side   3/2 Time   08:50	ASSIGNMENT TO UAW FOUNDRY DEPARTMENT AFTER AFL-CIO MERGER IN 1955 Scope and Content Note: Chose to work under Pat Greathouse in foundry and forge. In 1958 Russo selected as one of three coordinators of education, with seventeen-state assignment to emphasize organizing new plants largely because of industrial migration to the South. Remained at this job until his retirement in 1971.
Tape/Side   3/2 Time   11:00	AUTO COMPANIES REFUSAL TO LISTEN TO WALTER REUTHER LEADS TO CURRENT DILEMMA OVER IMPORTED AUTOS Scope and Content Note: Current givebacks hard to take after years of militancy to achieve gains for workers. Recalls automobile bumper company in Chicago that threatened to close unless wages scaled back, but actually lack of orders would have forced plant to close anyway. Solution to contemporary problem is for American people to buy American-made cars. Reuther wrote paper in late 1940's (“A Car Named Desire”) urging that smaller, more efficient cars be built. Current automaker dilemma is a management, not a union issue.
Tape/Side   3/2 Time   15:10	LACK OF MILITANCY IN TODAY'S YOUNG WORKERS Scope and Content Note: Many younger workers have come to plant with a “full bag of goodies” assembled after years of struggle; goodies not given to workers by companies since “we had to extract them from the companies.” Workers paid in lost time during strikes. Russo disappointed over lack of support by workers in political action programs. Younger workers not interested in PAC's; their economic status has been raised to middle class and “now they act and vote like a middle class.” American workers in contrast to those in Europe fail to understand importance of political action to his financial and social welfare. Cites high voter participation in Europe.
Tape/Side   3/2 Time   19:45	AMERICAN WORKERS EMPHASIZE ECONOMIC GAINS INSTEAD OF POLITICAL PROGRAMS Scope and Content Note: Emphasizes importance of financial status and “somehow our programs didn't catch on as far as why you should vote for this man or this cause. Someplace the two got separated. I wish I knew....” Today's worker will have to seek political remedy to extend unemployment compensation benefits as reimbursement for effects of foreign trade. Old-timers in 1930's knew sitdowns in Michigan would have been unsuccessful had it not been for a sympathetic, friendly governor.
Tape/Side   3/2 Time   24:40	WISCONSIN'S CONTRIBUTION TO THE LABOR MOVEMENT Scope and Content Note: Leaders who rose to the top of the national labor movement were often members of progressive and militant unions such as 248, 72, 75, at Harnischfeger and at other plants. Industrial labor movement began in strip around southern shores of Lake Michigan. Auto workers in Wisconsin were “fully organized” while Michigan and Indiana lagged behind. “We set a pace.”
Tape/Side   3/2 Time   27:45	CONCLUDING REMARKS
Tape/Side   3/2 Time   28:10	END OF INTERVIEW