Jackson Michigan News and Information, News for Jackson MI
In February 1939, a group of courageous employees of the Union Steel Products Co., decided to organize within the organized labor movement. They chose the International Stove Mounters and Steel Range Workers International Union, an affiliate of the American Federation of Labor of which Mr. Robert Patterson was International Organizer. Mr. Patterson, an able and efficient organizer made rapid progress in organizing our group with the co-operation of those actively participating. A charter was secured and we were immediately recognized by the Union Steel Products as the sole bargaining agency.
Our Local was numbered No. 67 for which we elected Harry Merritt, president. Mr. Patterson presented a contract to the management and at once it was signed by the management and employees alike. It embodied better working conditions and an increase in wages.
In 1940, Mr. Charles Maddux was elected chairman. He was successful in making progress and has been of immeasurable benefit to the local. In 1941 Edward Merritt was elected chairman and accepted his responsibility by launching an aggressive drive for new members and then firmly convinced the management that a 100 percent membership would be a more potent weapon for both the management and the employees.
Since the founding of our local, we have had increases in wages of nearly 35 percent and our working conditions have been most definitely improved. Local 67 meets every 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at the Labor Hall, 1009 ½ W. Porter St. The night shift meets at 4:15 pm and the day shift meets at 9 pm. Visiting brothers and sisters always welcome.
From our Historical Notebook this week we present a 1942 photo of the Union Steel Products Local 67 president, Edward Merritt (1912-1983). As we celebrate Labor Day tomorrow, we remember the struggles and conditions that workers had to endure before unionization occurred here in Albion. I’ve got more local factory union histories from this 1942-43 Central Labor Union yearbook which I will feature next Labor Day in this column.
