UAW Research Department: Congressional Testimonies

Collection

Identifier: LR002092

Staff Only

This collection contains published Congressional Testimonies, Congressional Reports, and House and Senate bills, beginning in 1938 through 2009.

Important Subjects: Automobile industry and trade Government policy Health care reform Housing and health Labor unions and international relations Labor unions—Corrupt practices Labor unions—Public relations Military doctrine Unfair labor practices Urban renewal

Series Description: Series I: House and Senate Bills, 1957-1991 (bulk 1970-1991) This series contains legislative bills passed by the House and Senate that the UAW had influence over.

Series II: House of Representatives Committees, 1944-2009 (bulk 1960-1991) This series contains published UAW testimonies presented before various House Committees.

Series III: US House and Senate Joint Committees, 1948-2008 (bulk 1970-1991) This series contains published UAW testimonies presented before various House and Senate Joint Committees.

Series IV: US Senate Committees, 1938-2008 (bulk 1957-1991) This series contains published UAW testimonies presented before various Senate Committees.

Dates

1938 - 2009
Majority of material found within 1958 - 1991

Creator

International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace, and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (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.

Extent

66 Linear Feet (66 SB)

Additional Description

Abstract

Since the formation of the United Auto Workers Union in 1935, union members have been actively involved in U.S. and international politics. Individual union members, from the highest ranking officer to the newest rank and file member have testified before Congress on issues ranging from trade and health care to housing and public welfare. Beginning in 1938 and ending in 2009 this collection documents the history of UAW members’ appearances before Congressional Committees. This collection consists of Congressional Testimonies, Congressional Reports, and House and Senate Bills that the UAW had influence over. The collection begins in 1938 as the union presented their case before the Senate Select Committee on Investigative Campaign Expenditures and ends in 2009 with the testimony of UAW President Ronald Gettlefinger before the Energy and Commerce Committee. This collection highlights the major contributions of the UAW to U.S. and international politics.

History

Since the formation of the United Auto Workers Union in 1935, union members have been actively involved in U.S. and international politics. Individual union members, from the highest ranking officer to the newest rank and file member, have dedicated time and effort to support and promote U.S. legislation that would benefit the working class of American society. Many union presidents, vice-presidents, department heads, and officers have testified before House and Senate Committees to ensure the voice of the working class be heard and considered in the highest offices of the U.S. government. Beginning in 1938, when the Senate Select Committee on Investigative Campaign Expenditures heard testimony, members of the UAW have presented their case before the Congressional Committees. High ranking officers have presented testimony before committees focused on trade, healthcare, labor-relations, finance, and science and technology. Rank and file members of the International Union have presented testimony before committees involved in housing, public welfare, and children and families.

Arrangement

The records in this collection are arranged into four series – Series I (Boxes 1-2), Series II (Boxes 2-32), Series III (Boxes 32-35), and Series IV (Boxes 36-65). Within each series, testimonials are arranged alphabetically by subject.

Other Access Aids

An index to U.S. Congressional Committees and Caucuses is included at the end of the guide.

Acquisition

The UAW Research Library: Congressional Testimonies Collection was placed in the care of the Walter P. Reuther Library of Labor and Urban Affairs on December 10, 2009.

Related Materials

UAW President’s Office: Douglas A. Fraser Records Part I and II; UAW President’s Office: Leonard Woodcock Records Part I and II; UAW President’s Office: Owen Bieber Records Part I and II