Keeping Up
Little Red Books, Mother Jones, Union Labels and Working Detroit
Resources for AFSCME Activists
IWW Songs: To Fan the Flames of Discontent/ International Edition. This is an updated issue of the Industrial Workers of the World's "Little Red Song Book." The IWW was a singing union. Songs like "Solidarity Forever" and "Union Maid" were first popularized in small red books that fit easily into a worker's pocket. This 96-page edition, available for $10, would have to be called the BIG Red Song Book. About twice the height of previous editions, it includes words and music to songs old and new— with a number of Spanish translations. Great to have for any picket line or demonstration.
The book is from the Charles H. Kerr catalog, which also includes Carlos Cortez's striking black and white original linocut poster of every union member's mother, Mary Harris "Mother" Jones. The poster is 23 x 35 inches and costs $30. To request a copy of the catalog or to place an order, write Charles H. Kerr, 1740 W Greenleaf Ave, Chicago IL 60626 or call (312) 465-7774. (Special thanks to Joel Schwartz, president of Local 446—part of New York's Civil Service Employees Association/ AFSCME Local 1000—for the suggestion.)
Look for the Union Label: A History of the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union tells the story of one of the organizations that first comes to mind when most folks hear the word "union." The 360-page book was written by Gus Tyler. He has been with the union since 1934—and he's a great writer. The ILGWU recently merged with the Amalga-mated Clothing and Textile Workers Union to form the Union of Needle-trades, Industrial and Textile Employees—UNITE! Since the ILGWU as such no longer exists, this book is even more of a historical treasure. Look for it in your local library or bookstore. You can order it—for $21.95 (paper), $55 (hardcover)—from M. E. Sharpe, 80 Business Park Dr, Armonk NY 10504, or call (914) 273-1800.
Working Detroit delves into the history of Detroit's workers and their unions, civil rights and women's rights struggles, as well as the city's cultural diversity. The site of many key confrontations between unions and major corporations, Detroit has seen its share of worker struggles and worker victories. As the city approaches its 295th birthday (July 24), it's a good time to buy the 252-page, fully-illustrated, sure-to-be- classic Working Detroit, written by Steve Babson with Ron Alpern, Dave Elsila and John Revitte. You can order a copy for $19.95 (plus $3 shipping and handling) from Wayne State University Press, 4809 Woodward Ave, Detroit MI 48201, or call (800) 978-7323.
Have any resource ideas you would like to share? Send them to Keeping Up, AFSCME Public Employee, 1625 L St NW, Washington DC 20036-5687.
