How to Organize on the Job

Woodcut print of two diverse pile drivers working

Overview

How to Organize on the Job introduces new members to the organization, policies, and ideals of the union representing piledrivers and bridge, wharf, and dock builders. It aims to equip members to "play an active part in that great force of unionism which is the foundation of real Democracy" (pg. 1). The pamphlet references the National Labor Relations Act, the Bill of Rights and stresses that unions put those principles into practice for "ordinary working men" (pg. 4).

In addition to promoting unionism as central to democracy and the war effort, the pamphlet reviews the details of working with management, grievance procedures,  and strikes, as well as union positions such as stewards, business agents, and negotiating committees. The pamphlet also includes the current contract with details about work, shifts, wages, and crews. Click on the PDF link below to see the full 60-page pamphlet.

Questions

  • How does Patri incorporate the work of the piledrivers in his illustrations? How do you think Patri might have educated himself about the work of piledrivers before making the illustrations?
  • How might this make his illustrations more effective for relaying the message of the union?

How to Organize on the Job: A Handbook for Stewards Links to an external site. (60-pages)

Woodcut image of two workers talking to a manager at a desk about a section title "Relations with Management: Study Your Contract"

Page from the pamphlet with a woodcut image of workers talking to a manager at a desk above a section titled "Relations with Management."

Patri, Giacomo. How to Organize on the Job:  A Handbook for Stewards. Pamphlet.  Pile Drivers, Bridge, Wharf and Dock Builders Local Union no. 34, 1940-1945, Giacomo Patri Collection, LARC_0039, Labor Archives & Research Center, San Francisco State University.