Reposted by AFSCME Archivist
The 1970s were a wild time for public employees and their unions. AFSCME continued the push for collective bargaining rights and many locals achieved their first contracts that decade. But not all came without a fight.
@afscme.bsky.social @reutherlibrary.bsky.social #LaborHistory #strikes
![Memo with AFSCME letterhead, to Linda Lloyd from Dwight Kirk, dated 7/29/81. Re: Pay Equity Leaflet. Body: "Enclosed is the draft copy and layout for the four-page foldover leaflet ton pay equity.
Even though the original request for the material has already been fulfilled by Phil, I am placing it on file, hoping that someday some labor archeologist (?) will [un]earth it and thereby verify that I was around doing something that could pass for decent work.
But seriously, though, I do believe this material can be useful if we should ever decide perhaps to do a pay equity leaflet that gives each facet of our position enough breathing room to project AFSCME's legacy of meeting new challenges."](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:56y4dgkwv5pl4vepdxcghpan/bafkreicxtyincltwekxdzrm7afixn64de33z2lkv2qntjcq4mzills6k7i)
![Onion skin letter resting on folder. Folder heading reads "US congress, house, 1969-1972, 15-15." Letter has large letters on left margin: "COPY." Addressed to The Honorable John W. McCormack, US House of Representatives from AFSCME International President, Jerry Wurf. It reads: "Dear Mr. McCormack: January 15 marks the birthday of the martyred Dr. Martin Luther King. [AFSCME], representing over 450,000 public employees from throughout the United States, firmly believes that this day should be observed as a legal national holiday.
Our 17th International Convention pledged that 'the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King for dignity and justice for all shall not die.' Dr. King and his teachings belong to all the American people, and an annual holiday marking his birth will help future generations of Americans to recognize his outstanding place in our lives.
We therefore strongly urge your support for federal legislation making his birthday a national holiday to honor Dr. King's unswerving devotion to the proposition that all Americans of every race, color and background can live and work together in dignity and peace."](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:56y4dgkwv5pl4vepdxcghpan/bafkreicdrqlam2lwd4v3h75qjudbuglbjl4ounwrl6qkrwegjhyvbnc7i4)
