Paul Apostolidis interviews and research materials on Pasco meatpacking plant workers, 1980-2006

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Apostolidis, Paul, 1965-
Title
Paul Apostolidis interviews and research materials on Pasco meatpacking plant workers
Dates
1980-2006 (inclusive)
1997-2006 (bulk)
Quantity
4.31 cubic feet (4 boxes )
Collection Number
6284 (Accession No. 6284-001)
Summary
Interviews and research materials gathered by Apostolidis regarding immigrant meatpacking workers in Pasco, Washington
Repository
University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections
Special Collections
University of Washington Libraries
Box 352900
Seattle, WA
98195-2900
Telephone: 2065431929
Fax: 2065431931
speccoll@uw.edu
Access Restrictions

No restrictions on access for paper-based materials; however, no user access copy is currently available for VHS tapes and audiocassette. Users may obtain a reproduction of the media for a fee by contacting Special Collections.

Access to VHS tapes and interview audiocassette is restricted. An appointment with the Labor Archives curator is required prior to viewing. Contact UW Special Collections for more details or to request an appointment.

Languages
English
Sponsor
Full processing supported by the Labor Archives Fund and the Labor Archives of Washington State Budget

Biographical NoteReturn to Top

Paul Apostolidis teaches in the Government Department at the London School of Economics and Political Science in London, UK. Apostolidis was previously the T. Paul Chair of Political Science at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington where he taught classes on political theory and U.S. politics. His research focused on Latinx migrant laborers' work experiences, political organizations, and languages of collective action. His books include The Fight for Time: Migrant Day Laborers and the Politics of Precarity (Oxford University Press, 2019), Breaks in the Chain: What Immigrant Workers Can Teach America about Democracy (University of Minnesota Press, 2010), and Stations of the Cross: Adorno and Christian Right Radio (Duke University Press, 2000). Paul is co-editor of Public Affairs: Politics in the Age of Sex Scandals (Duke University Press, 2005). His current research explores neoliberal power relations via an analysis of work experiences and political organizing among migrant day laborers.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

The collection contains interviews and research materials created and gathered by Paul Apostolidis which formed the basis for his 2010 book Breaks in the Chain: What Immigrant Workers Can Teach America about Democracy.

Paper-based research materials include print transcriptions, newspaper articles, scholarly papers, materials from courses taught by Apostolidis at Whitman College, legal records, and correspondence with Teamsters, Tyson, and research team members.

Audiovisual material consists primarily of original recordings on audiocassettes and minicassettes of about 40 interviews with immigrant meatpacking workers in Pasco who were members of International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 556 (the local represented workers at the Tyson/IBP beef plant in Wallula, WA just outside Pasco; in 2005, Tyson destroyed the union through company-engineered decertification elections). Other audiovisual materials include VHS tapes, a DVD of news coverage, and depositions of employees.

Other Descriptive InformationReturn to Top

Forms part of the Labor Archives of Washington.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Restrictions on Use

Restrictions may exist on copying, quotation, or publication. Contact University of Washington Libraries Special Collections for details.

Preferred Citation

Labor Archives of Washington, University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections, Paul Apostolidis interviews and research materials on Pasco meatpacking plant workers, 6284-001, box number, folder number.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Arrangement

Collection is currently arranged as it was received upon donation, divided into the following two series:

  • SERIES 1: PAPERS
  • SERIES 2: AUDIOVISUAL MATERIAL

Acquisition Information

Donated by Paul Apostolidis.

Related Materials

Apostolidis, Paul. 2010. Breaks in the Chain : What Immigrant Workers Can Teach America About Democracy . Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press.

Processing Note

The collection was rehoused and inventoried by Labor Archives Volunteer, JoAnn Keenan, with no further arrangement imposed on the collection beyond a paper and audiovisual series.

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

 

SERIES 1: PAPERS, 1990-2006,   (bulk 1997-2006) Return to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder
1/1
Letters: Martinez et al vs. International Brotherhood of Teamsters
References David Mark, James P. Hoffa, and Allen Hobart
1999 November 2-2000 April 3
1/2-1/4
Letters, notices, handwritten ballot counts, news articles: Wallula, WA strike and boycott
Includes information about Teamsters Local 556 vs. IBP, Inc. (Joint Council of Teamsters, JC-28, Food Processing Division)
1999 June 28-2000 March 3
1/5
"Pasco 200 Years in the Making," Ben Sadler and Alison Wallisch (brief history of events from 1805-2003)
2004
1/6
Voting behavior in Franklin County, Washington (from election data, 1989-2003)
2004 October 29
1/7
Demographic Analysis: Columbia and Benton Counties (1990 and 2000) with brief note to reader, census data
1990-2000
1/8
Local candidates for Franklin County: candidate interviews, receipts and expenditures, registration forms
References Griffith, Johnson, and Vaux
2004 October 29
1/9
United States naturalization and citizenship training information
Includes Whitman College politics resource guide, INS examination, test questions, instructions, and requirements
approximately 2004
1/10
"Greasing the Wheels of Pork Barrel Politics," Max Hensley, Kyle Krohn
2004 October 29
1/11
The Race to the Finish: Federal Election Candidates 2004: US Campaigns and Elections, Whitman College
2004 October 27
1/12
"Political Activity among Latinos in Pasco, Washington: A Case Study in Power", thesis by Matthew P. Osdol
2004 April 20
1/13-1/17
Final Report of the Community-Based Learning Partnership
Includes transcripts of IBP worker interviews on occupational safety and health problems, light duty experiences, and food safety and corporate research on Tyson/IBP
2002 December 8
1/18
University of Oregon, Effective Joint Labor-Management Health and Safety Committees
2002 September
1/19
LERC (Labor Education and Research Center), University of Oregon: Training materials in Spanish
2002
1/20
Poultry Worker Justice Legal Advocacy Conference, Nashville, Tennessee
2001 November
1/21-1/22
Memorandum, Law Office of David N. Mark: Teamster trusteeship document production, Local 556 membership meetings
1999 March 29 - July 28
1/23
Local 556: complaint sheets, notices, newsletters, news articles
2000 September 22-2002 October 1
1/24
Teamsters Local 556: handwritten notes, letters, newspaper articles
Includes issue of Spanish language Teamster newspaper ¡Adelante! and Su Periódico La Voz
approximately 2001-2002
1/25-1/26
Final Report of the Community-Based Learning Partnership
Includes transcript of IBP worker interviews on occupational safety and health problems, light duty experiences, and food safety. Prepared for Teamsters Local 556 by Students in Paul Apostolidis' Politics 313 course at Whitman College.
2002 December 8
2/1-2/3
Final report of the Whitman College/Teamsters Local 556 Community Partnership: research on Tyson Fresh Meats, Incorporated and Smith Frozen Foods
Includes Apostolidis' Politics 313 Course Introduction, Latina Policy and Issues Brief, Tyson wages handout, and 2 short student papers on health and safety and consumer advocacy
2004 May
2/4
Teamsters Local 556/Tyson Fresh Meats: flyers, other communication regarding health care cost changes
2004
2/5
Teamsters Local 556 contract proposals to Tyson Fresh Meats, Pasco, Washington
2004
2/6
International Brotherhood of Teamsters Research Department Agreement Summary Report
Contains information on EXCEL Corporation, IBP Inc., and bargaining agreement between Smith Frozen Foods and Teamsters Local 556
1997 November 10-2006 February 25
2/7
International Brotherhood of Teamsters: election letters, hearing documents, flyer, news item regarding dispute of Maria Martinez and Maria Sauceda vs. Allen Hobart
1999-2000
2/8
Land title of Walla Walla County property inquiry: Teamsters Local 556 property at 1750 Portland Ave., Walla Walla, Washington
2004 February 4
2/9
Order from Chief United States District Judge, Eastern District of Washington: Maria Martinez and Maria Sauceda vs. International Brotherhood of Teamsters
2000 March 3
2/10
Copies of letters, petitions regarding Martinez vs. the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 556: Fax transmissions from Ken Pedersen to David N. Mark
2000 January 14
2/11
General Teamsters, Warehousemen, and Cannery Workers, Local Union 556: consolidated financial statement
1998 December 31
2/12
Meeting with members of Local 556: International Brotherhood of Teamsters, AFL-CIO, Pasco, Washington
1999 August 9
2/13
Teamsters Local 556, Walla Walla, WA: Legal documents, Trustee's reports, labor organization reports
1997-1999
2/14
Local 556 Communication: letters, depositions, statement of assets and liabilities, copy of settlement agreement regarding Martinez et. al v. the International Brotherhood of Teamsters
1998 June 16-2000 August 21
2/15
Trusteeship 0556: petitions in support, letters, and information requests (07/12/1999)
1999 July-2000 January
2/16
Color photographs: Teamsters Local 556
approximately 2000
2/17
Meatpacking Industry Workers Bill of Rights
Includes letter from Governor Johanns
2000 July 27- 2004 June 30
2/18
Research Education Advocacy People (REAP) General Profile on Tyson Foods, Inc. and IBP, Inc.
2001 December
2/19
Letter from Rick Bender, President of Washington State Labor Council, opposing ballot measures
Includes flyers concerning Initiatives 807 (to reimpose state spending limits) and 841 (to impose new supermajority requirement for tax increases or repealing business tax breaks)
2003 April 21
2/20
Organizing to Win Strong Contracts, TDU Annual Convention, Detroit, Michigan: printed materials and notes
2003 October 26
2/21
Teamsters Local 556: letters from Maria Martinez supporting contract bargaining, proposal list, copies of supporting published articles
1998-2004
2/22
Tyson Foods and Jefferson Strike: flyer and articles
2000-2003
2/23
"Road to Freedom" Tri-City Herald article
Relates to Freedom Ride from Seattle to Washington, D.C. to draw attention to Civil Rights issues faced by immigrants
2003 September 24
2/24
Meeting with Walla Walla community, Walla Walla Community College and Alliance for Workplace Justice
Includes materials from Whitman/Community Forums and related organizing items as well as agendas, news articles, feedback letter from Paul Apostolidis, follow-up articles, flyers, and notes
2003-2005
2/25
Teamsters Local 556: letters, articles calling for support for local 556 workers, including outreach to Japanese workers and consumers
2004 June 24-July 31
2/26
One Million Voices Campaign materials on immigrant workers' rights
2002
2/27
Paul Apostolidis documents: letters and writings concerning Local 556 decertification election
2004 March 11-2005 February 25
2/28
Agreement summary reports/ food processing: pay schedules, job brackets
References Great Bend Meat Packing, Excel Corporation, Clougherty Packing Company, and IBP, Inc.
1997-2006
2/29
Evaluation of worker health and safety, food safety, and humane slaughter at the Tyson Fresh Meats Plant in Pasco, Washington
Includes English and Spanish surveys for workers.
2005 January 28
2/30
Work safety, food processing, wages, and Initiative 841: news items, articles, flyers
2003-2004
2/31
Tyson and Meatpacking news clippings
1998 May 22-2007 March 18
2/32
Safe Works/Safe Food: incorporation documents, minutes, supporting documents and letters
2004 June 4 - August 4
2/33
Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride: news clippings
2003 September 17-October 6
2/34
Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride: news clippings, color photographs
2003 September
2/35
Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride: organizing materials
2003-2004
2/36
Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride: Media packet and handouts, IWFR, Walla Walla
2003 September
2/37
Labor Notes newspaper issues
2001 November-2002 December
2/38
Newspaper articles reporting labor issues
1999 June 7-2006 April 17
2/39
Campaign materials, Teamsters Local 556
approximately 2001-2003
2/40
Labor Agreements, Teamsters Local 556, with IBP, Inc. and Lamb-Weston
Includes legal declaration supporting Maria Ramirez and Maria Saucedo.
1999 July 8-2002 April 1

SERIES 2: AUDIOVISUAL MATERIAL, 1980-2005Return to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box
3
John Carter Deposition (3 VHS Tapes)
Access Restricted
2000 January 10
3
Al Hobart Deposition (3 VHS tapes)
Access Restricted
2000 January 11
3
"Can't Take No More", U.S. Department of Labor (VHS Tape)
1981
3
"Safety Pays" (VHS Tape)
approximately 1980-2000
3
"The Prophetic Witness", National Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice (VHS Tape)
2002
3
NOW with Bill Moyers. Tyson Strike (VHS Tape)
2003
3
"Get On the Bus": Remarks by Dr. Bennie Mitchell, National Baptist Convention - USA, Inc. to the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union 5th Regular Convention (VHS Tape)
2003 August 1
3
Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc., Un Mensaje Importante para usted y su familia, "Una Trayectoriia Nueva Junto" (VHS Tape)
approximately 2002 - 2003
4
"Tyson 'No'" (DVD)
approximately 2002-2005
4
Teamsters Local 556 Migrant Worker Interview Audio Recordings
Access Restricted
2002-2005

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Labor movement--Washington (State)--Pasco--History--Sources
  • Labor unions--Washington (State)--Pasco--History--Sources
  • Labor--Washington (State)--Pasco--History--Sources
  • Meat industry and trade--Washington (State)--Pasco--History--Sources
  • Packing-house workers--Labor unions--Washington (State)--Pasco--History--Sources
  • Packing-house workers--Washington (State)--Pasco--History--Sources
  • Packing-houses--Washington (State)--Pasco--History--Sources
  • Personal Papers/Corporate Records (University of Washington)

Personal Names

  • Apostolidis, Paul, 1965---Archives

Corporate Names

  • International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Local 556 (Pasco, Wash.)--History--Sources
  • Tyson (Firm)--Employees--History--Sources
  • Tyson (Firm)--History--Sources

Titles within the Collection

  • Breaks in the chain--Sources

Other Creators

  • Corporate Names
    • Labor Archives of Washington (University of Washington) (curator)