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afscme-archivist.bsky.social
AFSCME Archivist
@afscme-archivist.bsky.social
450 followers 220 following 160 posts
I maintain AFSCME's historical records at Wayne State University's Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs.
reuther.wayne.edu
archives.wayne.edu
https://wayne.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/afscme
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afscme-archivist.bsky.social
AFSCME Archivist @afscme-archivist.bsky.social · Aug 21
Read how AFSCME’s half-century-old archives tell the story of our union on the @afscme.bsky.social blog! #LaborHistory #LaborUnions #Archives #WayneState @reutherlibrary.bsky.social
AFSCME’s half-century-old archives tell the story of our union
The Detroit building housing AFSCME’s archives turns 50 this year.
www.afscme.org
afscme-archivist.bsky.social
Gloria McCabe, @afscme.bsky.social Council 97 member, had an unusual commute to work w/ the AZ Department of Economic Security. 4X a year, she and colleagues traveled all day by horse into the #GrandCanyon to the most remote Native American reservation in the US. #NativeAmericanHeritage #Arizona
In 1983, a woman, Gloria McCabe, in a warm coat faces the camera as she stands next to two horses wearing bridles. Trees fill the background. From the AFSCME Communications Department records at the Reuther Library, Wayne State University.
November 18, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Reposted by AFSCME Archivist
sbworkersunited.org
As of this morning, Starbucks workers across the country are officially ON STRIKE. And we're prepared for this to become the biggest and longest ULP strike in Starbucks history.

Say #NoContractNoCoffee with us: DON'T BUY STARBUCKS for the duration of our open-ended ULP strike! $SBUX
Don't Buy Starbucks! At any location, today and beyond, while workers are on ULP strike!
November 13, 2025 at 11:33 AM
afscme-archivist.bsky.social
It's #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth and here's a local story from 1981 of @afscme.bsky.social member Joan Sobbe, a bus driver for Huron Valley Schools in MI. Sobbe, of Ottawa heritage, volunteered with and served as chair for the Indian Education Program beginning in 1974. #LaborHistory #HuronValley
Article from AFSCME's Public Employee magazine from October 1981 under the heading "Personal Profile" and "Indian 'Roots' in Michigan." An inset photograph shows Local 202's Joan Sobbe and son holding animal hides during a camping trip. The article reads: "Milford, Mich.—For Indian children in the Huron Valley area, Indian culture and folklore are still very much a part of modern living, thanks to AFSCME Local 202 member Joan Sobbe. Huron Valley school bus driver Sobbe—a half-blooded Ottawa Indian —has been a volunteer parent with the Indian Education Program since 1974. For the past two years, she has served as the program's chairperson. The cultural and educational program teaches, in addition to crafts and skills, Indian values such as acquiring harmony with the earth's natural resources. "The children develop a strong sense of pride about themselves, their Indian heritage and ancestry," she says. Sobbe's own son and daughter are among some 200 children enrolled in the federally funded program. Each year, says Sobbe, the children look forward to the Snow Snake Tournament. The children carve their own wooden snow snakes—elongated spearlike objects resembling the hunting weapons their ancestors used. Sobbe and several other Local 202 members and parents build a 2- foot high snow mound. The children divide into teams, then slide their snow snakes down the mound and those children whose snow snakes go farthest win prizes. "We try teaching them that it's not winning or losing that's important. It's doing the best you can that counts. Learning this and other concepts will give them the direction they'll need to make it in this world," Sobbe says."
November 12, 2025 at 3:17 PM
afscme-archivist.bsky.social
Yesterday was the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the #EdmundFitzgerald on #LakeSuperior. This documentary from @clickondetroit.com uses the WDIV archives at @reutherlibrary.bsky.social and features our AV department's #Steenbeck (film viewing machine): www.clickondetroit.com/features/202...
Watch: The wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, 50 years later (full extended cut documentary)
It’s been 50 years since the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
www.clickondetroit.com
November 11, 2025 at 3:02 PM
afscme-archivist.bsky.social
*waves from across Woodward*

www.artnews.com/art-news/new... #LaborUnions #art #ArtMuseums #CulturalWorkers @cwuafscme.bsky.social
Detroit Institute of Arts Workers Move to Unionize
Employees at DIA are taking steps to form a union, joining a wave of organizing that has swept US cultural institutions in recent years.
www.artnews.com
November 7, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Reposted by AFSCME Archivist
afscme-archivist.bsky.social
Tom Warzel of AFSCME CSEA Local 1000, appeared on The Late Show in 1997. Letterman gave the "man on the street" 5 seconds to exercise his constitutional right to free speech on air. Warzel said: “Everyone should belong to a union.” @afscme.bsky.social #CSEA #Letterman #LateShow #Unions #LaborHistory
A photograph sits on a stack of papers and a folder titled "Leader artwork, monthly, 1997-2000." The image depicts Late Show host David Letterman standing with his arm around Tom Wezel, with a New York skyline backdrop behind them. From the AFSCME Communications Department records at the Walter P. Reuther Library, Wayne State University.
October 2, 2025 at 6:01 PM
afscme-archivist.bsky.social
Always ask your local archivist!
uaw.org UAW @uaw.org · 20d
🧵 Solidarity House had some very special guests last week!

Former Ford workers, Jim and Cheryl Bassett, purchased a vintage Ford station wagon from UAW Local 174 around 10 years ago. It was a bit worn and dusty from being stored for decades, but it appeared to be something special.
Photo of Jim and Cheryl Bassett and UAW Archivist Gavin Strassel in front of Solidarity House with an old Ford station wagon that was used by UAW Local 174 in the late 1940s and 1950s to organize workers. News clipping from the United Automobile Worker, Westside 174 Conveyor Edition from February 1949 featuring a Ford station wagon purchased by the local to use as a sound car, with union leaders Ed Reno and George Lyons trying out to the new purchase. Old Ford station wagon that was used by UAW Local 174 to organize workers in the late 1940s and 1950s. Photo of the inside of a 1949 Ford station wagon purchased by UAW Local 174 as a sound car to organize workers in the late 1940s and 1950s. Includes a cardboard cutout of a smiling UAW President Walter Reuther behind the wheel.
October 31, 2025 at 5:13 PM
Reposted by AFSCME Archivist
aflcio.org
Ready for trick-or-treaters tomorrow? Make sure to buy union-made candy when you’re doing your shopping! And check out the full list at aflcio.org/halloween.
Illustration of a paper bag with a list of union-made candy written on it and the title "Union-made in America." List can be found at aflcio.org/halloween.
October 30, 2025 at 5:27 PM
afscme-archivist.bsky.social
Jeepers! Some spooky scary Hallowe'en costumes from 1940 👻🎃👹 @afscme.bsky.social Milwaukee County Local 58 members pose at a "Hallowe'en hard time party."
#Halloween #costumes #LaborHistory
A newsprint page with text surrounding a photo of a group of people in costumes. Many people posing wear masks, some are dressed with witch hats. The caption reads: "Members of the treasurer's office chapter 10 of Milwaukee county local 58 are shown here at a Halloween hard time party. Pictured in the top row, left to right, are Harold Wendt, Emma Parnkopf, Nathan Sindelar, Gertrude Steffen, Clinton Smith, George Sonnen, Marie Mueller, Louis Barth and Irene Mistele. Those in the second row are Joseph Kubacki, Bob Rudolph, Florence Porth, Gilbert Halwas, Joe Imse, Lorraine Kaiser, Henry Pfieger, Lilyan Pfaender, John Warras and Max Nack. In the third row are Joe Pawliski, Louis Kosanke, Florence Horning, Ted Gumina, Patricia Hickey, Archie Krauss, Louise Waldron and Walter Rybacki. John Kowalski and Walter Jaeschke are in the bottom row. The picture was taken by L. Graff, a member of chapter 10."
October 29, 2025 at 6:46 PM
afscme-archivist.bsky.social
If you ever wanted a deep-dive into the history of the Reuther Library, I've got you! Read "Fifty Years of Labor History Preservation and Progress: The Evolution of the Walter P. Reuther Library": muse.jhu.edu/pub/1/articl...

@reutherlibrary.bsky.social #WayneState #LaborHistory
Three students walk in front of the newly constructed Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs at Wayne State University. The building is constructed in Brutalist style, mainly with brink and glass, with glass exterior walls across the front. Several trees with early spring leaf-cover frame the building.
October 28, 2025 at 7:04 PM
afscme-archivist.bsky.social
👀 👀 When you're looking for something unrelated and stumble into slides from the 1968 Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial march in Memphis, during the @afscme.bsky.social Local 1733 sanitation workers strike. #NationalGuard #Memphis #LaborHistory #MLK #LaborUnions
In Memphis, Tennessee, several individuals standing on a street. In the center, two men face each other: PJ Ciampa and Bill Lucy, both AFSCME leaders. A stop sign towers above and between them. In the distance, two people and a large video camera are perched on a flat rooftop. Photo taken of a slide through a loupe. From the AFSCME Communications Department records, Walter P. Reuther Library, Wayne State University. A group of people stand on the steps of the Clayborn Temple, Memphis, Tennessee. The building is construction of bricks of various sizes that rise into an arch above a decorative stained glass window and double door, one door is open. Two individuals hold signs that read: Honor King: End Racism. Photo taken of a slide through a loupe. From the AFSCME Communications Department records, Walter P. Reuther Library, Wayne State University. People line up a on a city street in Memphis, holding signs supporting Memphis Sanitation Workers who were on strike. The crowd extend to the horizon. Photo taken of a slide through a loupe. From the AFSCME Communications Department records, Walter P. Reuther Library, Wayne State University. Several National Guardsmen in uniforms and helmets stand on a crowded street in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1968. Behind and on the left is a person in chef's hat and shirt partially in frame. In the background are two buildings several stories high, cars, groups of people, and a stop light. Photo taken of a slide through a loupe. From the AFSCME Communications Department records, Walter P. Reuther Library, Wayne State University.
October 23, 2025 at 3:22 PM
afscme-archivist.bsky.social
Not what I was expecting.... #archives @reutherlibrary.bsky.social
October 17, 2025 at 3:21 PM
afscme-archivist.bsky.social
Your political action spinach contains vitamins A,F,S,C,M,&E, adding power to your punch! The Public Sector from #CSEA Local 1000 @afscme.bsky.social @reutherlibrary.bsky.social #PopeyeTheSailorMan #vote

Did you know Popeye is in the public domain as of this year? #copyright #PublicDomain #cartoons
Alt: newspaper front page for The Public Sector vol. 18 No. 12 December 1995, with illustration of Popeye cartoon character holding an open can of spinach. The spinach can reads: “Victory political action spinach.” Popeye’s word bubble reads: “Contains vitamins C, S, E, and A.” Popeye’s shirt reads: “Public Employees” and his hat: “CSEA.” a poster taped to a (not pictured) wall reads: “It’s Your job. It’s Your Future. Register to vote.” Below image of Popeye reads: “Adding power to your punch...”
October 17, 2025 at 1:21 PM
afscme-archivist.bsky.social
AFSCME is 89 years young this month!
In October 1936 @afscme.bsky.social received its charter from the @aflcio.org. Founding president Arnold Zander's datebooks for October 6-17 show he visited the AFL-CIO in Washington, DC and attended meetings about the charter. #LaborHistory #HappyBirthday
Datebook belonging to AFSCME founding president, Arnold Zander, open to the dates of October 6-11, 1936. The entry for Friday, Oct 9 shows Zander was in Washington, where he "appeared before council on charter at 2:30." Datebook belonging to AFSCME founding president, Arnold Zander, open to the dates of October 12-17, 1936. The entry for Monday, October 12, reads, in part "Appeared before council at 2:30. Voted charter."
October 8, 2025 at 5:15 PM
afscme-archivist.bsky.social
Tom Warzel of AFSCME CSEA Local 1000, appeared on The Late Show in 1997. Letterman gave the "man on the street" 5 seconds to exercise his constitutional right to free speech on air. Warzel said: “Everyone should belong to a union.” @afscme.bsky.social #CSEA #Letterman #LateShow #Unions #LaborHistory
A photograph sits on a stack of papers and a folder titled "Leader artwork, monthly, 1997-2000." The image depicts Late Show host David Letterman standing with his arm around Tom Wezel, with a New York skyline backdrop behind them. From the AFSCME Communications Department records at the Walter P. Reuther Library, Wayne State University.
October 2, 2025 at 6:01 PM
afscme-archivist.bsky.social
In case you missed it!
September 30, 2025 at 1:48 PM
afscme-archivist.bsky.social
VIVA LA AFSCME!
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month from the Archives!
New Mexico highway workers vote 2-1 for AFSCME in 1972. Pictured are @afscme.bsky.social Local 2238 president George Gallegos, vice president John McDevitt, and secretary Zeke Mares. #HispanicHeritageMonth #LaborHistory #LaborUnions
A large chalkboard reads: "AFSCME 852, No 370, VIVA LA AFSCME." Three people stand around the chalkboard, smiling, with one pointing to the circled number 852. Resting on a table in the foreground is a poster with "join AFSCME" printed at the bottom and the words "Triumfo en Nuevo Mejico" hand written in big letters.
September 29, 2025 at 2:39 PM
afscme-archivist.bsky.social
Good morning! Please enjoy this special episode of the Tales from the Reuther podcast featuring AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer Elissa McBride. @afscme.bsky.social @afscmeelissa.bsky.social @reutherlibrary.bsky.social #archives #libraries #LaborHistory blubrry.com/reutherlib/1...
Talking Archives with AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer Elissa McBride
In celebration of the Reuther Librarys 50th anniversary, AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer Elissa McBride reflects on the role the unions history and archives play in current and future labor actions and o
blubrry.com
September 25, 2025 at 1:20 PM
afscme-archivist.bsky.social
In his letter to Zander, Book-Cadillac sales director recommends the Norwood Hotel for some attendees, “...which we understand is the best colored hotel in Detroit.”
#LaborHistory #Detroit #BookCadillac
afscme-archivist.bsky.social AFSCME Archivist @afscme-archivist.bsky.social · Sep 24
AFSCME’s first official convention took place at Detroit’s Book-Cadillac Hotel, which opened in 1924 as the world’s tallest. For AFSCME’s convention, room rates were $3 for a single and $5 for a double. @afscme.bsky.social #LaborUnions #LaborHistory #Detroit #BookCadillac
A stack of papers on a folder. Folder tab reads: 5-6 AFSCME Convention; Folder 2. Top sheet letterhead for the Book Cadillac Hotel, Detroit, Michigan, dated September 8, 1936. It has an illustration of the hotel in the bottom left corner. Letter is addressed to Arnold S. Zander, President, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. Text of the letter: “Dear Mr. Zander: We have your letter of September 5th, relative to your forthcoming convention and wish to advise you that we will continue the same arrangements regarding room rates as those quoted the American Federation of Government Employees. We have quoted a flat rate of $3.00 single and $5.00 for double rooms. We regret that it will not be possible for us to assign suites requested. We are reserving with our compliments a room for the President, a room for the Secretary and a headquarters room for the convention committee. The room for the President is being reserved for Sunday, September 13th and we would appreciate knowing when the other two rooms are required. We have your request to reserve rooms for the delegation of six but you do not mention when they will arrive. Please let us know just as soon as you can when we may expect them. We understand that the American Federation of Government Employees will turn over the space assigned to them at the conclusion of their convention proper for your meetings. We have been in touch with the Norwood Hotel, 550 East Adams, which we understand is the best colored hotel in Detroit. Room rates start at $2.00 per day. Looking forward with pleasure to seeing you soon, I am Cordially at your service, [signed] John H. Stember, Director of Sales and Marketing”
September 24, 2025 at 3:20 PM
afscme-archivist.bsky.social
AFSCME’s first official convention took place at Detroit’s Book-Cadillac Hotel, which opened in 1924 as the world’s tallest. For AFSCME’s convention, room rates were $3 for a single and $5 for a double. @afscme.bsky.social #LaborUnions #LaborHistory #Detroit #BookCadillac
A stack of papers on a folder. Folder tab reads: 5-6 AFSCME Convention; Folder 2. Top sheet letterhead for the Book Cadillac Hotel, Detroit, Michigan, dated September 8, 1936. It has an illustration of the hotel in the bottom left corner. Letter is addressed to Arnold S. Zander, President, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. Text of the letter: “Dear Mr. Zander: We have your letter of September 5th, relative to your forthcoming convention and wish to advise you that we will continue the same arrangements regarding room rates as those quoted the American Federation of Government Employees. We have quoted a flat rate of $3.00 single and $5.00 for double rooms. We regret that it will not be possible for us to assign suites requested. We are reserving with our compliments a room for the President, a room for the Secretary and a headquarters room for the convention committee. The room for the President is being reserved for Sunday, September 13th and we would appreciate knowing when the other two rooms are required. We have your request to reserve rooms for the delegation of six but you do not mention when they will arrive. Please let us know just as soon as you can when we may expect them. We understand that the American Federation of Government Employees will turn over the space assigned to them at the conclusion of their convention proper for your meetings. We have been in touch with the Norwood Hotel, 550 East Adams, which we understand is the best colored hotel in Detroit. Room rates start at $2.00 per day. Looking forward with pleasure to seeing you soon, I am Cordially at your service, [signed] John H. Stember, Director of Sales and Marketing”
September 24, 2025 at 3:09 PM
afscme-archivist.bsky.social
Be careful of false promises....Organizing flyer for @afscme.bsky.social Local 2771, Brownsville, Texas, 1978.
From the AFSCME Organizing and Field Services Department records at the @reutherlibrary.bsky.social.
#trabajadores #trabajadoras #LaborUnions #LaborHistory
Single-page flyer resting on a folder with a tab labeled “Texas, 1978 Nov-Dec” At the top a Paul Revere-like figure on horseback appears to be shouting, labeled "La Vocina". The flyer reads, in part, “CUIDADO！！ CUIDADO！！ CUIDADO！！ CUIDADO！！ CUIDADO！！ CON PROMESAS FALSAS, ES FACIL PROMETER, PERO DIFICIL CUMPLIR!! RECIBIO SU CARTA DE AMOR DE LA ADMINISTRACION? CREE ESTO? De donde aqui nacio este grande amor para los Trabajadores, vaya. Se acuerdan el 5 de Julio de este año? Cuando el Gerente de la Ciudad Jim Baugh dijo que se les daria un 5% de aumento, ni mas, ni menos! Que paso? YA ESTA AQUI LA UNION, AHORA LOS TRABAJADORES TIENEN EL APOLLO DE AFSCME, LA UNION MAS GRANDE DEL AFL-CIO, CON MAS DE MILLON Y MEDIO DE MIEMBROS, ESO ES LO QUE PASO!” Followed by a longer paragraph of text. On the left, an illustration of a door with an illuminated lightbulb above it, labeled “AFSCME” “Brownsville Local 2771.” On the door are rectanlges with the text: “Justicia Economica” “Seguridad De Trabajo” “La Casa Del Trabajador” “Dignidad” and “Derechos.” Near the bottom center, an illustration of three dented trash cans labeled “Promesas” and “Administracion De Brownsville, Texas.” From the AFSCME Organizing and Field Services Department Records, Reuther Library, Wayne State University.
September 23, 2025 at 7:51 PM
afscme-archivist.bsky.social
Hard to believe 24 years have passed since the US was forever changed. More that 600 union members were among the victims of the September 11 attacks. Union members were also vital to recovery efforts. @afscme.bsky.social #LaborHistory #RestInPower More here: reuther.wayne.edu/node/13592
A large United States flag hangs vertically on scaffolding at the World Trade Center site in New York. Image from AFSCME Communications Department records, Reuther Library, Wayne State University.
September 11, 2025 at 3:10 PM
afscme-archivist.bsky.social
In 1997, @afscme.bsky.social Local 420 protested the selection of anti-union McDonald's as the food service provider in public New York hospitals. Pictured is Local 420 President James Butler with two members dressed as hamburger and fries. @dc37nyc.bsky.social #LaborHistory #LaborUnions #McDonalds
A photograph of a man standing between and pointing at another person dressed as a hamburger and someone dressed as an order of fries with a face. They all stand in front of a building with the sign "Metropolitan Hospital Center." Beneath the image is a the word "McDonalds" in a circle with a slash across it. The photograph rests on a folder labeled "Leader - Artwork, Monthly, 1997-2000." From the AFSCME Communications Department records at the Reuther Library, Wayne State University.
September 9, 2025 at 5:51 PM
afscme-archivist.bsky.social
Link up for Strength, @afscme.bsky.social Iowa election flyer, circa 1977. #LaborUnions #LaborHistory
A single page flyer resting on a folder (folder tab reads: "Asst & Area Directors 1977"), which reads "Link up for strength" next to an illustration of a linked chain with the words "regents" "D.O.T." and "S.S.B.C." inside each link. Below those, the flyer reads "Important!! The dates are set for our union election. It will me May 10, 11 and 12. More than 5,400 state regents and DOT blue collar employees already have selection AFSCME as their union. Now we can join them and gain coverage under he same blue collar AFSCME contract. That's linking up for strength! An AFSCME victory in our election will mean statewide clout for Iowa's blue collar workers. So let's vote AFSCME and contract our rights! Vote AFSCME!" At the bottom of the page in the AFSCME logo and "AFSCME the public employee's union, AFSCME/IOWA Social Services Blue Collar Organizing Committee."
September 3, 2025 at 1:55 PM
afscme-archivist.bsky.social
I made this scavenger hunt for the kiddos (and young at heart) for the parade. Feel free to share!
Detroit Labor Day Parade scavenger hunt. A chart with illustrations of items to find: train station, American flag, flowers, bicycle, Rosie the Riveter, construction cones/barrels, a mural, harp, Pride flag or sign, baseball field, people working, and sing a song.
August 31, 2025 at 4:07 PM