Rockford United Labor AFL-CIO Records

Collection

Identifier: RHC-RC-145

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Rockford United Labor AFL-CIO records are arranged in four series: administrative records, committee records, subject files, and publications and printed materials. The collection traces the history of the organization from its founding in 1957. Records dating from 1977 to the present remain with the organization, but will be transferred to the Center when they become inactive. The first series contains by-laws, minutes, correspondence, membership information, and financial records. Although minutes from the first two meetings (July-August 1957) are missing, there are no other gaps. The minutes contain committee reports, financial reports, and membership and election records. Additional financial information is available in the auditor’s reports (1963-1969), the treasurer’s cash book (1957-1958), and the dues book (1957-1958). Materials from Central Labor Union Conferences complete the series with information on topics such as labor and politics, inflation, and union strikes. Series two contains records of five committees: community services, credentials, education and farm labor, union label, and the Committee on Political Education (COPE). The COPE records comprise the largest subseries consisting of correspondence, legislation reports, voter registration information, and pamphlets and newsletters. The third series of subject files covers topics ranging from energy to labor laws to workmen’s compensation and occupational safety. Series four comprises additional pamphlets, handbooks and manuals, news releases and photographs. Also included in this series are incomplete runs of several Rockford labor newspapers, such as the Rockford Labor News, Rockford Trade Unions, and the Advocator, some national union publications are also in this series. Photocopies have been made of these documents and are available for reproduction. The original newspapers are restricted and not open to the public. This collection primarily documents legislation affecting labor unions and the organization’s contributions to the community of Rockford.

Dates

created: 1940-1978
Other: Date acquired: 03/11/1982

Conditions Governing Access

There are some restrictions on access to the collection due to preservation purposes. Photocopies of these documents have been made and are open to the public.

Conditions Governing Use

Property rights in the collection belong to the Rockford United Labor AFL-CIO; literary rights are dedicated to the public.

Biographical or Historical Information

Winnebago County’s first central labor party, the Rockford Central Labor Union, formed in July 1895. The union remained very active until the Rockford Federation of Labor organized on September 1, 1943, as its successor. By 1953 the Federation served 52 separate local unions with a total membership of over 8,000 men and women. Rapid growth of the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO, formed in 1937) also prompted the formation of a local Rockford Industrial Council in 1940. Forward progress of the labor movement throughout the country impelled the national unions to complete a long-discussed merger--in the fall, 1955 the A.F. of L. and the C.I.O. consolidated into one organization. Similarly, the two Rockford organizations merged in 1957 to form Rockford United Labor AFL-CIO (R.U.L.). The newly formed organization elected Emmett Poyer president, Joe Vittore vice-president, and Anthony Mazzola recording secretary. By 1967 R.U.L. included 63 affiliated local unions with a membership of more than 25,000. The union “. . existed for the purpose of coordinating the various activities of the community that labor unions are interested in doing for the comfort and prosperity of the community.” To fulfill this purpose the members worked for education, the elimination of slum areas, improved recreation facilities, better police and fire protection, better lighted and improved streets, and a city government that works for all people. The members also became active in the Committee for Political Education (COPE) and provided financial support for political programs sponsored at local, state, and national levels.

Note written by

Extent

4.25 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement Note

The Rockford United Labor AFL-CIO records are arranged in four series: administrative records, committee records, subject files, and publications and printed materials.

Source of Acquisition

Amedeo Giorgi

Method of Acquisition

Amedeo Giorgi, President of the Rockford United Labor AFL-CIO, deposited the organization’s records in the Northern Illinois Regional History Center on March 11, 1982.

Related Materials

Researchers may wish to consult the Rockford Building and Construction Trades Council Records (RC 138) for more information on labor in Winnebago County. Other related holdings can be found in the Center’s Guide.