SEIU Research Department Historical Records

Collection

Identifier: LR001542_RH

Staff Only

Scope and Content

The papers in this collection are local historical files retained by the International’s Research Department. They consist of newspaper clippings, general correspondence from the locals to both members and the Research Department, local flyers and pamphlets, local news publications, reports, and special Local publications.

Dates

1916 - 1997
Majority of material found within 1950 - 1969

Creator

Service Employees International Union (Organization)

Language of Materials

Materials 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.

History

The Research Department was established as the Research and Education Department in 1942 and was expanded by the union in 1945. Its main purpose was to gather data and information from the locals, analyze the information gathered, and dispense what was learned from that information back to the locals. The Research Department was also responsible for the publication, “Report to Locals.” In it, the Research Department made available their findings concerning such topics as wages, work hours, work conditions, and economic trends. Anthony Weinlein was the first Research Department director. He remained in that position until 1967.

Extent

17 Linear Feet (17 SB)

Additional Description

Abstract

Subjects include: SEIU local history; wages; collective bargaining; industry surveys; benefits

Arrangement

The records are organized in ascending order by local numbers. Box 17 is comprised of files from the various joint and state councils in order of their number. An exception to this is the State Councils and the Eastern and Western Conferences which have no numbers assigned to them.

Acquisition

The papers of the Research Department of SEIU were placed in the Reuther Library in 1998.

Related Materials

Refer to the SEIU Charter Book for names, locations, charter dates, etc. of the locals. See SEIU Executive Office Files collections and local union publications for additional information on locals. See SEIU Research Department Collection for reports that reflect the activities of the union.