Milt Williams Oral History

Milt Williams Oral History

This interview takes place in two parts. In part I Williams discusses how he came from a family that believed deeply in the labor movement, losing his job in the lithographic trade on numerous occasions for organizing activity, and how he began his union career as a sentinel and became president of the Philadelphia Local 14, ALA, in 1957. Williams offers his thoughts on why the printing industry in Philadelphia has dissipated over the years. He traces his own experience and involvement with the International beginning in 1955. Since Williams has represented the Atlantic Region on the International Executive Board. He talks about the split with the AFL-CIO and recalls his own union’s milestone achievements through collective bargaining. In part II Williams talks about the internal union politics anBd personalities of the ALA. Williams assesses the role of the councilor in the International organization and the influence he exerts on policy and decisions. He goes on to deal with the whole question of automation, from the lithography perspective and the graphic arts industry as a whole. Williams also reflects on the threat to the smaller unions who do not negotiate national contracts, and offers on jurisdictional questions.

Hoffman, Alice M.; Giebel, Greg

Williams, Milt, 1920-

1974-05-09

Toronto, Ontario; 1942-1974