November 10, 1977 Session

Introduction

Initial Involvement in Textile Industry and Textile Unionism
Scope and Content Note: Wanted to become lawyer. In 1932, while attending law school, went to work in dye house. On seeing people employed with large families and making only about $8 per week, decided something should be done. In January 1933, successfully organized Local 1790 in New York City; became its first president and later its first manager.

Organization of Dyeing Industry in New York City Greater Metropolitan Area
Scope and Content Note: While he was involved in organizing New York City dyers, a simultaneous, independent drive was going on in the Paterson-Passaic, New Jersey area. Joseph Yannarelli of the United Textile Workers (UTW) was organizing in New Jersey; his pay was fifty cents of the one dollar initiation fee. New York City dyers organized themselves, rejected invitation of the Communist textile union (National Textile Workers Union), and obtained UTW charter in spring 1933.

Strike in September 1933
Scope and Content Note: Both in Paterson and New York City. Joint negotiations impossible - difference in demands. Paterson settled first; New York City then demanded, and received, the same contract.

Initial Organization Easy
Scope and Content Note: No outside help. A combination of NRA, people being aware of the low wages they received, and work conditions in dye house all contributed to the relative ease of organizing.

Help from Other Labor Unions During the Six-Weeks' Strike of September 1933
Scope and Content Note: No help from UTW. Solicited donations from other unions which were very helpful.

Biographical Information
Scope and Content Note: Born July 25, 1911 in New Jersey, the fifth of eight children. Parents immigrated to the United States, and met here. Father had purchased a farm to supplement the income he received as a poultry laborer. At the age of five, family moved to the east side of New York City. Married in 1939; one son.

Choice of Law as a Profession
Scope and Content Note: Originally wanted to become an engineer, but being Jewish precluded this at that time. Instead chose law because his religion would not hinder his advancement in that profession. Finished law school (St. John's University) while serving as president of the Local.

Somewhat Influenced by Family Involvement in Labor
Scope and Content Note: Sister was organizer for Millinery Workers Union; father was occasional member of unions.

Working Conditions in Dye House in Early 1930s
Scope and Content Note: Developed strong sympathy for fellow workers. Worst job he ever experienced. Worked 52½ hours, 5½ days a week. He, as a skilled worker, was making good wages - $16 a week. Dye houses cheated on NRA-set hours and wages; there was no one to enforce the law.

Provisions of the First Contract in September 1933 - Union Recognition and 57½ Cents Per Hour
Note: See also 22:55 of this Tape #1, Side 1.

Became Manager of Local 1790 in November 1933 (Had Been President Since March 1933); Due To Structural Change in the Local

Dues Collection
Scope and Content Note: Even though members had no extra money, they were willing to pay dues because of the importance of the union. No check-off needed. Many members were very militant; Gordon's law background very useful in restraining militancy which tended toward violence during 1933 strike.

Duties as Manager of the Local
Scope and Content Note: Hired secretary; continued organizational efforts; membership went from 1500 to 2500 during strike.

Formation of Dyers Federation
Scope and Content Note: As a result of the problems encountered with the strike of 1933 (poor method of negotiation, misunderstandings between New York City and Paterson, overall weakness of UTW), decision was made in 1934, particularly in Paterson, to form a federation, consisting of locals in Paterson, Lodi, Union City, Passaic, and New York City. First president was George Baldanzi; Gordon ran against him. Basic concern was the workload.

Initial Structure and Authority of the Dyers Federation
Scope and Content Note: Aim was to compare individual job situations and on that basis jointly negotiate uniform contracts, so that no shop would undercut the conditions of another; a uniform workload was the big issue. Joint negotiating committees of all locals formed to bargain with employer associations. Each city had its own employer association; they consolidated only after the Federation negotiated an insurance package during World War II.

One of the Basic Functions of the Federation Was to Organize Outside the New York City Area - New England, New York State, and Pennsylvania

Position of the Federation and of Dye Workers During 1934 Textile Strike
Scope and Content Note: With the first-year contract still in effect, the Dyers were not in favor of breaking it; but would strike, if necessary.

Dyers Strike of 1934
Scope and Content Note: More unity because of existence of the Federation. Got 66 cents per hour and some fringe benefits. 1933 strike, which raised wages from 32 cents to 57½ cents, had bad economic effect on the industry. Same problem after 1934 strike, which lasted six weeks.

Communists Strongly Influenced Dyers Local 1733 in Paterson
Scope and Content Note: Caused some of the disagreement between Paterson and New York City prior to winning first contract.

Dyers Federation Position on the Formation of the Textile Workers Organizing Committee (TWOC)
Scope and Content Note: Having very little regard for UTW, cooperated with TWOC efforts. Turned over jurisdiction of New York skein dyers to TWOC. Also permitted organization of dyers outside the Federation in other parts of the country.

Proportion of TWUA Dyers Not in the Federation
Scope and Content Note: About 10 percent did not belong to the Federation. Sometimes difficult to ascertain under which jurisdiction shops belonged; these usually affiliated with a joint board rather than the Federation.

Why Separately Organizing the Skein Dyers Was a Mistake

Introduction

Further Explanation of Why a Mistake Made in Allowing TWOC to Organize Skein Dyers into New York Joint Board, Separate from Federation
Scope and Content Note: Internal struggle for power developed which would never have been allowed to happen had they been in the Federation. Dissidents seceded with Gorman to American Federation of Labor (AFL). Strategic organizing blunder by Sol Barkin. Joint Board unable to service skein dyers as well as the Federation could have.

Role of Dyers Federation in TWOC Drive
Scope and Content Note: Acted in a supportive role, supplying manpower and knowledge. Did not supply funds.

Structure of Dyers Federation
Scope and Content Note: Top officers were president and secretary-treasurer, and seven or eight organizers. Had district councils similar to joint boards. Executive board.

Gordon's Role on TWUA Executive Council
Scope and Content Note: Two representatives of Dyers Federation had been on UTW Executive Council, and this arrangement carried over to TWUA. Vague on why he selected as one of the Dyers Federation representatives. Had little direct contact with the International Union; handled dyers matters, jurisdictional disputes with TWUA, etc.

Dispute Within Dyers Federation Developed Over Bonus System in 1946-1947
Scope and Content Note: United Piece Dye Works (Lodi, New Jersey) instituted a bonus system which the Federation opposed. Caused split in the Federation with people lining up with either Federation President Joe Knapik or George Baldanzi (former Federation President and then TWUA Executive Vice President). One Lodi leader shot. Fight carried to the TWUA Executive Council where Baldanzi held TWUA support against Knapik and the Federation. Gordon sided with Knapik.

Expulsion of Hosiery Federation from International Union as It Related to Dyers Federation
Scope and Content Note: Dyers Federation was not concerned with the Hosiery Federation. Felt each Federation could take care of itself.

Gordon Feels That if Dyers Federation Had Not Split, International Union Could Not Have Dissolved the Federation

The Actual Split Within Dyers Federation
Scope and Content Note: Largest local (1733) supported Baldanzi; Lodi local was split. Majority of others supported Knapik. The bonus system was no longer an issue; personalities and politics at issue now.

Explanation of Bonus System
Scope and Content Note: During World War II, bonus paid to the workers and also to some officials of the Local. Hard feelings developed over who was being paid what.

More on the Dispute Within Dyers Federation
Scope and Content Note: Bonus system just one cause of the dispute; a spark which was played up for political purposes. Baldanzi unhappy with the way Federation being run by Knapik; wanted to use Federation as base to further his own aims within International Union. Baldanzi at one point ran against Knapik for Dyers presidency and lost by only one vote.

Dissolution of Dyers Federation
Scope and Content Note: Gordon feels that Knapik went to Rieve, offered to give up his position within the Federation if the Federation was dissolved and became a division within International Union. Each side blamed the other for the dissolution. Knapik supporters agreed to dissolution in order to keep Baldanzi from taking over the Federation.

Gordon Feels Dissolution of Federation a Mistake
Scope and Content Note: As a federation, Dyeing and Finishing workers would have had more solidarity and strength than as just another division within the International Union. As a division, had to contend with regional forces and regional directors' ambitions because divisional directors were on a par with regional directors, whereas the Federation had more clout as a semi-autonomous organization.

Baldanzi Fought Dissolution of Federation
Scope and Content Note: Neither Baldanzi nor any of his group attended dissolution meeting because they did not have the votes to prevent dissolution. Gordon feels this event was one cause leading to split between Baldanzi and Rieve.

Possible Politics in Dissolution of Federation
Scope and Content Note: Rieve favored dissolution of Dyers Federation as it removed Baldanzi's base, was good for International Union, and gave him opportunity to appoint as Division Director a man who was opposed to Baldanzi-Gordon.

As Director Gordon Not Supposed to Visit Lodi or Paterson - the Baldanzi Strongholds - Until Tempers Had Subsided

Gordon Not Appointed Director of the Division Immediately after Dissolution in 1948
Scope and Content Note: Herbert Payne, a non-dyer, appointed director so that neither faction in the Dyers could object. Payne permitted to choose his own assistant, who would actually run the Dyeing Division. Probably with considerable Rieve input, Gordon was selected as Assistant Director. Reaction to appointment of Gordon or other Knapik supporter as Director would have been too violent to be palatable.

Problem of Disposition of Federation Treasury after Dissolution
Scope and Content Note: Rieve promised Local 1733 just prior to dissolution that he would split the treasury up amongst the Dyers locals. Subsequently, he claimed the Executive Council would not allow it. Gordon voted against dividing the treasury in retaliation for Local 1733's support of Baldanzi. Money was put into the International.

Introduction

Effect on the Workers of Major Technological Changes in Dyeing Industry, from the Beginnings of Dyers Federation Up to Mid-1950s
Scope and Content Note: Modernization of machines and equipment intensified the work load. Dyers Federation maintained artificial restrictions on work loads while nonunion plants did not. This put organized plants at competitive disadvantage; Dyers Federation not very forward-looking in this respect.

Geographic Changes in Dyeing Industry
Scope and Content Note: Dyeing of staple fabrics moved to southern nonunion plants earliest; this did not hurt the northern plants too much. It became worse when novelty fabrics as well as staple fabrics were moved south.

Decline of Dyeing Industry in New York-New Jersey Area
Scope and Content Note: 5,000 to 6,000 people still employed whereas numbers once were 25,000 to 30,000. New York-New Jersey dyeing industry excels in special fabrics needing special treatment which are not done in long runs or large quantities. Workers got $1-$2 per hour more than in South.

Ethnic Changes in Dyeing Industry
Scope and Content Note: Progression of Italians, Poles, Blacks, Puerto Ricans. Today the latter two groups make up 50 percent of dyeing industry. Although the most recent immigrants usually work in dye houses, wages are relatively even with the national average because of the strong Union. Despite the high wages, the most recent immigrants to the city fill the jobs because the work is so dirty.

Advantages of Dyeing Industry over Other Branches of the Textile Industry through the Years
Scope and Content Note: Gordon feels Dyers far ahead of other branches. Technical changes in hosiery brought rapid decline of unionism. Novelty fabrics have kept Dyers going in New York metropolitan area at high wages, despite predictions of demise.

Explanation of Novelty Fabrics
Scope and Content Note: High cost, low volume designs.

Strong Federation Put Dyers Way Ahead of Other Workers in the Textile Industry
Scope and Content Note: Dyers were elite of textile industry in fringe benefits, industry-wide bargaining, pension plan, vacation, and wages; this has caused some resentment. TWUA pension fund patterned after Dyers pension fund.

Beginnings of Rieve-Baldanzi Split
Scope and Content Note: Gordon feels the split already in the making with dissolution of Dyers Federation in 1948.

Basis for Split
Scope and Content Note: Feels the supporters of Baldanzi and Rieve were the culprits more than the principals themselves; supporters of each side were looking for personal advancement. Issues were invented on both sides.

The Declining Industry Also a Cause for the Dispute
Scope and Content Note: Contracting industry and declining union membership meant fewer staff positions available and less room for rapid advancement.

Reasons for Baldanzi's Susceptibility to the Pressure
Scope and Content Note: Irrationality of a political fight.

Baldanzi and “Operation Dixie.”
Scope and Content Note: Made allies in the South.

1950 Convention and Why Rieve Could Not Oust Baldanzi
Scope and Content Note: Not enough preparation. Neutral line of thought tended to support Baldanzi; Baldanzi side simply had the better argument.

Why Rieve Forces Did Not Run Candidates Against Baldanzi Supporters in 1950
Scope and Content Note: Politically infeasible at the time. Baldanzi supporters on Executive Council were a small minority and had done nothing to warrant dumping.

Isadore Katz's Support for Baldanzi
Scope and Content Note: May have been motivated by idealism; perhaps he just thought he had picked the winner.

TWUA Staff Mostly Favored Baldanzi
Scope and Content Note: Thought Baldanzi more of an idealist and Rieve too practical.

Mariano Bishop
Scope and Content Note: Good practical unionist, like John Chupka. Pushed Rieve.

TWUA Seniority
Scope and Content Note: Larger divisions counted more. Industry vs. regional director. Most powerful directors were New England, Middle Atlantic, Cotton, Woolen.

Point of No Return in Rieve-Baldanzi Dispute Was 1950 Convention
Scope and Content Note: Baldanzi group buoyed by success at 1950 convention and went for broke. Rieve group realized seriousness of situation and went all out.

Introduction

State of Union Between 1950 and 1952
Scope and Content Note: Business was conducted, but the political effect of each action was always given prime consideration. If something appeared politically dangerous, a rational reason for not doing it would be developed.

Baldanzi's Issue of Democracy in the Union
Scope and Content Note: A political gimmick, since all realized the need for a strong presidency in the TWUA.

Politics Was the Cause of Staff People Being Fired after 1950 Convention

Top People Backing Rieve - Payne, Chupka, Bishop

Accusations of Fiscal Conservatism Against Baldanzi
Scope and Content Note: Rieve accused Baldanzi of opposing first and second dues increases in 1940s, and of opposing the purchase of TWUA building. Baldanzi was an idealist, impractical, and a poor administrator; thus, opposed spending the workers' money on a building.

Baldanzi Accused of Undermining Executive Council Slate in 1948
Scope and Content Note: Many of the departments of TWUA were pushing slates. As Baldanzi supporter, Charlie Hughes was being pushed by Baldanzi for a position on Executive Council.

Gordon Recognized His Appointment as Assistant Dyers Division Director as an Early Political Move by Rieve

Southern Cotton Strike of 1951
Scope and Content Note: A political strike and should never have occurred. Between this strike and the internal fight, TWUA set back for years. Fault lay on both sides; politically dangerous to oppose the strike call; would never have been called in normal times.

Charge of Modern Unionism During the Strike's Postmortem
Scope and Content Note: TWUA staff was not split by a philosophical approach to unionism, but by politics.

CIO Unions Did Little to Help During Southern Strike
Scope and Content Note: Not because of the internal fight; rather just another example of the way CIO unions did not help each other. Only today are other unions beginning to appreciate the “Southern Conspiracy” TWUA has been up against. Labor beginning to realize today, in the fight against J.P. Stevens, that the various Internationals must stick together or sink separately, because now it affects them directly.

Why Baldanzi Allowed Himself to Be Maneuvered into Running an Opposition Slate at 1952 Convention
Scope and Content Note: His supporters felt that, having done so well in 1950, success would continue with 1952. Rieve group also goaded Baldanzi into running a slate.

Baldanzi and the UTW
Scope and Content Note: UTW expected 20,000-30,000 to bolt from TWUA. Pension fund held many Dyers in the TWUA.

Bishop's Election to Executive Vice President in 1952
Scope and Content Note: Rieve considered Bishop his successor and not Pollock. Bishop well respected within TWUA, while many had reservations about Pollock.

Selection of Executive Vice President after Bishop's Death
Scope and Content Note: Executive Council did not want Pollock; preferred Chupka; decided to establish multiple vice presidents. Rieve then reverted to Pollock, who wanted the position and was prepared to fight for it at the convention.

Rieve's Suggestion of an Executive Committee of the Executive Council after 1952 Convention
Scope and Content Note: Would have been composed of the officers plus five or six vice presidents in the New York area. It was opposed by Executive Council for geographic reasons.

Staff Purge after 1952
Scope and Content Note: In retrospect, a serious mistake. Hueter and Hughes able to remain with the Union because they had independent power bases.

Fight Between TWUA and UTW Following 1952 Convention
Scope and Content Note: United Mine Workers' loan to UTW either because of friendships with Baldanzi or an attempt to establish influence within UTW.

Difference in Administrations of Rieve and Pollock
Scope and Content Note: Rieve practical; Pollock vengeful and not as good a leader. Union philosophy did not change.

Why TWUA Such a Clean Union
Scope and Content Note: Strong leadership backed by a strong Executive Council; immediate action against anyone caught “fooling around.”

Change in Approach of TWUA to the South in Late 1950s; “Bargaining from Weakness”
Note: The tape ran out when Gordon was being asked who conceived this “bargaining from weakness” approach. He could not give an answer.

Scope and Content Note: Leaflets, publicity - only way to get wage increases in order to protect wages and fringes in the North.