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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
The Havasupai people live in the most remote reservation in the country. They fought the US government for the return of their land for decades before achieving some success in the 1970s. #NativeAmericanHeritage #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth #GrandCanyon #Arizona
The Grand Canyon, Arizona, as seen from a helicopter, 1983. A rock formation borders the left side of the frame, with lower mountains in the distance and an overcast sky in the background. From the AFSCME Communications Department records at the Reuther Library, Wayne State University.
November 18, 2025 at 3:07 PM
afscme-archivist.bsky.social
They made their first helicopter trip into the canyon in December 1982. McCabe, an eligibility worker with the Flagstadd Family Assistance office, grew up on a Navajo reservation, giving her an important perspective for her work with the #Havasupai community. #LaborHistory #NativeAmericanHeritage
In 1983, two women, Ann Wiedoff and Gloria McCabe, walk from a helicopter carrying bags and wearing coats. A striated rock wall fills the background. From the AFSCME Communications Department records at the Reuther Library, Wayne State University.
November 18, 2025 at 3:07 PM
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
afscme-archivist.bsky.social
Here's another image from @afscme.bsky.social's Public Employee magazine of Sobbe (dressed as a pumpkin) with coworkers as children board a school bus on Halloween, 1980. Also pictured are tinman Kathy Forsythe and baker Marylou McManamon. #LaborHistory #HuronValley #BusDrivers
Image from the November 1980 issue of AFSCME's Public Employee magazine showing children lined up to board a school bus who are greeted by their bus drivers, members of Local 202. The caption reads: "AFSCME Local 202 school bus drivers in Huron Valley, Michigan had as much fun as the kids last month celebrating Halloween. The drivers handed out sweet treats on their morning runs, then visited school classrooms to entertain students with hobgoblin stories. From left, tinman Kathy Forsythe, baker Marylou McManamon and pumpkin Joan Sobbe."
November 12, 2025 at 3:17 PM
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
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
Here is the story as it appeared in the AFSCME Leader newsletter:
Front and back page of AFSCME Leader newsletter meant to be folded in half. Top half header reads: "AFSCME Leader. 1. Jobs with Justice Rally 2. Contract Campaigns 3. Fast Track Victory 4. CLUW Members Meet." A box on the left has an illustration of a computer and reads :Breaking News Important Information www.afscme.org Get the latest AFSCME news and information at www.afscme.org - the AFSCME home page on the World Wide Web. It's your home on the web." The main story reads: "WARZEL'S TALK OF FAME Tom Warzel, a plant utility engineer at the State University of New York/Buffalo, had his 15 minutes of fame, and boy did he make it count for working men and women. "The Late Show with David Letterman" was looking for an average American to exercise his or her constitutional right to free speech for five seconds before millions of viewers. When Warzel answered a public telephone outside the television studio – identifying himself as a proud member of Civil Service Employees Association/AFSCME Local 1000 – Letterman invited him in to speak to the national audience. The drums rolled and Letterman told him to speak “from the heart.” In his moment of glory, Warzel spoke these unedited words: “Everyone should belong to a union.” The audience erupted in wild applause. " Inset is a photograph of Wenzel and Letterman on the Late Show set. The bottom half of the page is up-side down with a blank area for a mailing address and the date December 22, 1997.
October 2, 2025 at 6:01 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
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
Here is a photo of Convention attendees, September 1936.
@afscme.bsky.social #LaborUnions #LaborHistory #Detroit #BookCadillac
wayne.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/coll...
In an ornate ballroom of the Book-Cadillac Hotel, Detroit, Michigan, a large group of people are seated at long rows of tables. The walls are mirrored and chandeliers hang from the ceiling. AFSCME's first convention, 1936.
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
Found a slightly different version in color! This one was from AFSCME's Public Employee magazine, the other one was prepared for AFSCME Leader, which I probably have around here somewhere, too.
screenshot of article under heading "AFSCME Across the Nation" with the title "Local 420 Fights Big Mac Attack." Article describes AFSCME Local 420's protest of McDonald's being selected as food service provider at New York hospitals due to the company's anti-union and anti-worker actions and unhealthy food. Image accompanying the article shows Local president James Butler between two people dressed as a hamburger and fries.
September 9, 2025 at 7:45 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
afscme-archivist.bsky.social
Millie Jeffrey, activist and WSU governor, wrote @afscme.bsky.social president Jerry Wurf after he visited MI, 1981: "Your spirit and guts inspire and you make one feel that, as you say. if we will fall in together we can turn this country around. Even if it takes awhile." #WayneState #LaborHistory
Letter on Wayne State University Board of Governors letterhead, dated APril 12, 1981 and addressed to Jerry Wurf, President, AFSCME. "Dear Jerry, A late note to say how impressed I was with your press conference when you were in Detroit for the Michigan AFL-CIO COPE dinner. I have also read your speech. You are saying such important things so well. Your spirit and guts inspire and you make one feel that as you say if we will fall in together we can turn this country around. Even if it takes awhile. You're a true leader. Best, Millie Jeffrey"
August 27, 2025 at 3:15 PM
afscme-archivist.bsky.social
In 1973, the Nixon administration's "Enemies List" was revealed to include @afscme.bsky.social president Jerry Wurf. He told the @washingtonpost.com he was pleased the White House "had taken note of our efforts." This visor has Wurf's name stamped on the band. #LaborHistory #LaborUnions
An aged leather visor bill, which is stamped in call capital letters "Enemy of the White House." From the Jerry and Mildred Wurf papers, Reuther Library, Wayne State University.
August 20, 2025 at 2:24 PM
afscme-archivist.bsky.social
Donohue, wearing @afscme.bsky.social CSEA Local 1000 placard and marching along Mr. Peanut in 1999.
Danny Donohue with a placard hanging from his neck which has the CSEA logo at top and reads "Show some respect!". He marches next to a person in a Mr Peanut suit and a CSEA hat. Behind them are other marchers, one with a sign that reads "0%??? Get Real!!"
August 18, 2025 at 2:52 PM