The Union Engineer

"Abstract": [4 p.] inserted.

The story of the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), AFL-CIO, during the period 1960-1993, drawing on extensive interviews of members. Part I traces the causes and consequences of the union's rapid growth during the period 1960-75. Part II covers a period of marked membership decline and the beginnings of the recovery during the years 1975-93, and closes with an appraisal of the union's future. Paper edition (unseen), $21.95. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Despite widespread interest in the trade union movement and its history, it has never been easy to trace the development of individual unions, especially those now defunct, or where name changes or mergers have confused the trail. In this respect the standard histories and industrial studies tend to stimulate curiosity rather than satisfy it. When was a union founded? When did it merge or dissolve itself, or simply disappear? What records survive and where can further details of its history be found? These are the kinds of question the Directory sets out to answer. Each entry is arranged according to a standard plan, as follows: 1. Name of union; 2. Foundation date: Name changes (if any) and relevant dates. Any amalgamation or transfer of engagements. Cessation, winding up or disappearance, with date and reasons where appropriate and available; 3. Characteristics of: membership, leadership, policy, outstanding events, membership (numbers). 4. Sources of information: books, articles, minutes etc; location of documentation.