Martin Grayson Oral History

Martin Grayson Oral History

This interview was conducted in two parts. Part I explores how Martin Grayson was introduced to unionism by his father, a member of the Amalgamated Clothing Workers. Grayson joined the Amalgamated Lithographers of America, Local One in 1936 as a pressman, and in 1938-39 represented the Lithographers local as a delegate. Grayson discusses the rapid expansion of the graphic arts industry during the war years, and the leadership of the ALA in gaining security and well-being for its people. Grayson reflects on the influence of the younger members of Local One, his election to Secretary-Treasurer of the International in 1948, and what it was like to step right from the bench into the second highest office in the International. In part II Grayson traces the history of the Lithographers Union and the philosophy of its leadership since the 1880’s. He describes his own rise in New York Local One and the general political relationship with other unions in New York City. Grayson gives the details of his responsibilities as International Secretary-Treasurer and discusses the dominant personality of Edward Swayduck, president of the New York Local One. Grayson traces the circumstances of his move from the position of secretary-treasurer to the vice-presidency of the Mountain Region in 1952 and how he dealt with the issues in this new location. Grayson finishes up by explaining the reasons for his resignation from his union position in 1957 and for subsequently going to work for Printing Developments, Inc. At the time of this interview Grayson was vice-president of Color-graphics, Inc.

Hoffman, Alice M.; Giebel, Greg

Grayson, Martin, 1914-

1974-02-03

1904-1972; New England