Description

Usery describes negotiating a contract for the IAM with the Armstrong Cork maintenance unit, weighing actions for the union against the company, and the possibility of strikes considering the strength of Armstrong against the union. Also mentioned are later union problems at Armstrong while Usery served as Assistant Secretary of Labor. Usery describes his career in labor relations and promoting and protecting the rights of blacks and minorities. He also discusses the importance of his involvement in WWII with his level of idealism. In describing activities outside the union, Usery mentions his Milledgeville neighbor, Tom Hall Simpson; Masonic membership; his social life in Milledgeville; his work both with a construction team and at Armstrong while in the maintenance repair group; and his time in the Mercer University Law School. With regard to his mediation duties, Usery talks openly about his development as a leader, skills as a mediator, and the problems he experienced throughout his career due to others' jealousy. Confrontations with Bill Falls and Dao Tsau Ping are mentioned along with Usery's description of establishing an embassy in China. Usery also recounts union battle strategies and a change in union negotiation tactics.http://research.library.gsu.edu/c.php?g=115649&p=752736

Record Contributed By

Georgia State University

Record Harvested From

Digital Library of Georgia