Labor Quiz: Library of Congress employees smash time-clocks

Former AFSCME Council 26 executive director Carl Goldman aced last week’s Labor Quiz (Union City, 4/4). “That looks like the front of the Library of Congress. The man in the front appears to be wearing an AFSCME t-shirt,” said Carl. “And the man on the left has [former Metro Washington Council president] Jos William's unique stance.” During the August 1982 protest, hundreds of AFSCME members working at the Library of Congress rejected management’s proposals for a lengthened work day by using sledgehammers to smash time-clocks. The workers were also protesting poor health and safety conditions, lack of sensitivity to child-care needs, and management’s refusal to quickly settle grievances. AFSCME Local 2910’s newsletter quoted then-executive director Jim Mundy excoriating management, calling them “an irresponsible administration that squandered its funds on costly litigation settlements and meaningless contract negotiating sessions.” Click here for a pdf copy of the Local 2910 newsletter.

---