Harry Van Arsdale, Jr. Labor's Champion

Synopsis

Harry Van Arsdale (1905-1986) was a towering figure in the New York labor scene. After being initiated into the Local 3 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in 1925 and becoming its business manager in 1933, Van Arsdale turned the then corrupt and disorganized union into a force to be reckoned with. He became president of the New York City Central Labor Council in 1957, which put him in a position to become a greater influence for labor relations locally and nationally. As business manager and president of these organizations, Van Arsdale advocated and won shorter work days, in order to give more men a chance to work - especially important in the 1930s. He instituted paid vacation, paid holidays, annuity plans, and educational opportunities for union workers - novelties at that time - as well as scholarships for workers' children. His sincere commitment to improving the lives of American workers and their families made him a truly beloved figure. This fascinating memoir traces Van Arsdale's sixty-plus years as a union member and powerful labor figure, and provides colorful details of his many remarkable accomplishments.

Book details

Author:

Gene Ruffini, Theodore Kheel

ISBN:

9781317468929

Related ISBNs:

9780765631589, 9781315703794, 9780765610447, 9780765610447, 9781315703794, 9780765610447

Publisher:

Taylor and Francis

Pages:

304

Reading age:

Not specified

Includes images:

No

Date of addition:

2020-05-22

Usage restrictions:

Copyright

Copyright date:

2003

Copyright by:

N/A 

Adult content:

No

Language:

English

Categories:

History, Nonfiction, Politics and Government