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Guide to the Social Service Employees Union Records
WAG.003
Descriptive Summary
| Creator:
|
Social Service Employees Union. Local 371. |
| Title: |
Social Service Employees Union Records |
| Dates [inclusive]: |
1952-2007, (Bulk 1960s-1990s) |
| Abstract:
|
Social Service Employees Union Local 371 is part of District Council 37 of the American
Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFL-CIO). The union primarily
represents New York City workers in the social service professions. Although the origins
of the union can be traced back to the 1930s, their modern story begins in the bitter
cold of January 1965 when more than 8,000 welfare workers spent 28 days on union picket
lines and leaders from what were then two separate entities, the Social Service Employees
Union and Local 371, went to jail. Besides winning salary increases and improvements
in conditions for their clients, the strike resulted in a number of firsts including
the first 100 percent city-paid health insurance, an effective grievance procedure,
and the establishment of a panel made up of representatives of labor, the city, and
the public that led to what is today known as the New York City's Office of Collective
Bargaining. Two more strikes, both unsuccessful, took place in 1967; finally, in 1969,
the two unions merged. Under the leadership of presidents Martin Morgenstern, Stanley
Hill, Joe Sperling and Charles Ensley, among others, the union has grown in diversity
over the years. Although caseworkers still make up the single largest segment of the
SSEU's membership, the union now represents over 150 title categories including counselors,
social workers, investigators, and residence staff. The collection includes constitutions,
minutes of meetings including executive committee and general membership, along with
collective bargaining demands and contracts. The largest segment of the collection
is the general files which include officers' correspondence, member communication
tools such as leaflets and newsletters, union elections and press clippings. The final
section consists of grievances, arbitrations and legal cases.
NOTE: This collection is housed offsite and advance notice is required for use. |
| Quantity: |
44.0 linear feet (44 boxes) |
| Call Phrase: |
WAG.003 |
