Communications Workers of America, Local 1153 Records

Communications Workers of America, Local 1153 was chartered in 1975, after more than 500 members of the Manhattan-based Local 1150 petitioned for a new local to represent American Telephone & Telegraph's Long Lines (long distance) employees working in the White Plains and Mount Kisco area. The jurisdiction granted compromised Westchester, Rockland, Orange and Putnam Counties in New York; and for the Construction Department only, all of New England, New Jersey and New York. But the majority of Local members are located in White Plains. Like Local 1150, 1153 consists of three sections: Plant (construction and maintenance), Traffic (operators) and Administrative (clerical). Since 1975 the Local has had four presidents: Paul J. Marley (served 1975-1981), Eleanore Collins (1981-1984), Andy Kosar (1984-1999), and Mary Lou Algiere (2000- ). Local 1153 has taken a strong stand on many issues, including job losses, job pressures, seniority rights, the creation of new job titles, health and safety, and discrimination based on sex and race. The collection reflects the Local's aggressive stance in bargaining, its role in the 1983 strike, and its criticism of many features of Divestiture.