Feeling Like Step Children:

AFL-CIO Organizers 

Want Organizer's Union

AFL-CIO Region 21

Chester C. Dusten. Director

404 Woodlark Building

Portland 5, Oregon

May 17, 1957

John W. Livingston Director

Dept. of Organization. AFL-CIO

AFL-CIO Building

Washington 6, D.C.

Dear Sir and Brother:

You will recall at the San Francisco conference, West Coast organizers were informed that a union of staff representatives was being initiated from Atlanta, Georgia. We all recognize that no labor organization was ever born without either a demand or need. This writer does not feel that there is any particular need for an organization of staff representatives.

Discussion among the staff of Region 21 has brought out several points which in this writer's estimation could be given serious consideration. One of the complaints from the people formerly with the CIO is that the so-called "lame duck" members of the staff are the ones who act in advisory capacity on the pension welfare or other fringe issues. These people feel that these "lame duck" advisors are not close enough to the pulse of the feeling of the normal staff member and that in some instances it is entirely possible that these advisors would feel that sense of obligation towards their superiors for being placed on the pay roll. This would create a condition which they could not conscientiously represent the general staff.

It is the general feeling that there is no close line of communication from Washington to the staff members on all issues concerning the staff members' welfare. All members of the field staff regard their regional director very highly. They feel that a regional director should not serve in a intermediary capacity involving wages or fringe benefits of the general staff.

As a suggestion it appears that it might be practical for the purpose of establishing a direct line of communication and creating a sense of participation among the staff members if some sort of a concrete program were adopted which would help them at least to have an indirect vote. For example if the United States for the purpose suggested above were divided into Pacific Coast, Rocky Mountain, Central States, Atlantic Seaboard and Southern States, with the organizers of these areas to be allowed to select a representative to be their liaison on matters of wages, fringe benefits, rental cars or such other problems that might arise.

Every organizer I have talked to strongly desires a sense of belonging and to be a part of AFL-CIO. Nearly all have the feeling of being step children. The San Francisco conference to a large extent alleviated the step child feeling but in no sense served as a complete answer. Those who are close to retirement are worried about their insurance benefits. Some who are not close to retirement and fringe benefit program.

Some of us know that you have worked hard for our economical benefit. One program which you favored appeared to have unqualified approval by the staff members, although they would like to have had the chance to discuss it with you or your representative before presentation. This program was that of severance pay which the employee and the AFL-CIO matched funds to create a severance plan as a lump sum payment.

All of us belonged to unions before going on the staff. While it was true that these unions which we hold affiliation are not bargaining representatives, it is a paramount fact that every staff members' union loyalties must be first and foremost with their parent union and AFL-CIO. In fact, no staff member would have been employed unless first a union member. Although this writer does not favor very strongly the formation of a union of organizers, naturally, if the entire staff should go he would be with them, same as the other organizers of this region, as well as that of Region 22. It is not organization we need, it is recognition and a sense of participation, as well as a feeling of belonging.

Writing a letter of this nature, it is difficult to keep from creating an appearance of what in private industries is know as company stooge, and yet, at the same time express ideas and opinion which the undersigned feels you should have made known to you. Content and purpose of this letter is solely to let you know the thinking of the undersigned and to some extent the thinking of the others on the staff in the area. I hope that from this letter some idea may come forth which would better conditions for all of us.

With my sincerest wishes and best regards, I remain

Fraternally yours,

Kenneth R. Bowman, Organizer

AFL-CIO Dept. of Organization

Region 21

310 Labor Temple

Seattle, Wash.

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update 25 July 2008