UAW Region 9 Records

Collection

Identifier: LR000283

Staff Only

The records of the UAW Region 9 Collection consist of correspondence, reports, minutes, negotiating material, and publications related to the activities and interests of the region and its local members.

Important subjects: Seniority and lay-off Skilled Trades Apprenticeship Grievances Health and Unemployment programs Pension program

Important correspondents: Ken Bannon, Irving Bluestone, William Fitzpatrick, Douglas Fraser, Martin Gerber, Edward Gray, Pat Greathouse, Leonard Woodcock, Olga Madar, Emanuel Mann, Norman Matthews, Roy Reuther.

Series 1: Local Union Files, 1945-1985, Series 2: Administrative Departments and Councils, 1953-1976 Series 3: Subject and Correspondence Files, 1941-1972

Dates

1941 - 1985

Creator

International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace, and Agricultural Implement Workers of America. Region 9 (Organization)

Language of Materials

Material entirely in English.

Access

Collection is open for research.

Use

Refer to the Walter P. Reuther Library Rules for Use of Archival Materials. Restrictions: Researchers may encounter records of a sensitive nature – personnel files, case records and those involving investigations, legal and other private matters. Privacy laws and restrictions imposed by the Library prohibit the use of names and other personal information which might identify an individual, except with written permission from the Director and/or the donor.

Extent

120 Linear Feet (120 SB)

Additional Description

Abstract

Subjects include: auto industry and auto workers in New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania and upstate New York; Martin Gerber; equal employment opportunity; low-cost public housing; Bell Aircraft strike (1949); Kohler strike (1959); Liberal Party (N.Y.); New Jersey politics and government; civil rights movement; labor education; UAW CAP; women auto workers.

History

The UAW created Region 9 in 1939, encompassing New Jersey, the eastern portion of Pennsylvania, and upstate New York. Alan Haywood became the first regional director. Leadership changed often until 1944, when Martin Gerber took over. He remained director of Region 9 until 1977, when he was elected a UAW vice-president, serving longer than any other regional director at that time. Under Gerber’s directorship, Region 9 grew from 20,000 to 120,000 members. In addition to servicing the locals in its jurisdiction, the regional office spurred construction of low-cost public housing, promoted equal employment opportunity, sought to expand civil liberties, and encouraged citizen political participation.

Arrangement

Arranged in 3 series – Series 1 (Boxes 1-50), Series 2 (Boxes 51-73), and Series 3 (Boxes 74-119). Folders in each series are simply listed by their location within each box. They are not arranged, so any given subject may be dispersed throughout several boxes within each series.

Acquisition

The records of UAW Region 9 were deposited to the Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs in multiple shipments from 1968 to 1994.

Related Materials

Refer to UAW locals collections.

Transfers

A large number of contracts, by-laws and employee benefit plans have been placed in the Archives Library and a few photographs have been transferred to the Archives Audiovisual Collection.