Oral Histories of IAM leaders
International President P. L. "Roy" Siemiller (1965-1969)
 Roy
Siemiller was born in 1904 in Nebraska near the Platte River. He became an
apprentice when under aged by fibbing about his birth date. He was hired for
nine hours a day at eleven cents an hour. After he completed his apprenticeship,
Siemiller served in the U.S. Navy then went to work for the Rock Island Railroad
in Herrington, Kansas. He joined International Association of Machinists Local
823 in Port Arthur, Texas in 1929. However, his job disappeared later that same
year due to the stock market crash. Siemiller then moved on to Harrison,
Arkansas where he organized I.A.M. local 1093 and several other locals. I.A.M.
International President Wharton took notice of Siemiller's organizing
activities, and appointed him as a temporary organizer. He was given a permanent
appointment to Grand Lodge Staff in 1937. After being elected as International
President in 1965, Siemiller began the "Go-Go" years of the I.A.M., using the
term from the new rock dance style of the times, to give the Union a new public
look.
Abstract of Interview with P. L. "Roy" Siemiller:
Interviewed by Dr. Les Hough
February 22-23, 1986
Transcript 161 pages
Location: End of I.A.M.A.W. Collection (L1992-14)
Siemiller discusses his early years and the influence his parents had on him.
Both parents grew up in the West and his father was a veteran of the Civil War.
Siemiller recounts the circumstances surrounding his leaving home at an early
age and his start as a machinist. While working for the railroad, Siemiller was
asked to join the International Association of Machinists as an organizer.
Siemiller describes his work for the IAM as a Grand Lodge Representative and
then as General Vice President. The evolution of the trade union movement in the
United States and the union’s involvement in politics are discussed. Siemiller
discusses the union’s work on the creation of pension plans and changes in union
policy to allow African-American and female members. The merger of the American
Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations is discussed
along with Siemiller’s service on the War Labor Board and Defense Transport
Administration. The union’s opposition to several states attempts to pass
right-to-work laws is discussed. Siemiller describes his rise to IAM President
from 1965 to 1969 and his work negotiating the airline industry strike in 1966
and the railroad strike in 1967. Siemiller also describes his relationships with
various politicians and labor leaders including George Meany and Jimmy Hoffa.
Frank E'Dalgo, Grand Lodge Representative, 1912 - 2001
 Frank
E'Dalgo was first hired by the American Federation of Labor (AFL) as an
organizer and organized the first citrus plant in Florida. He later joined the
I.A.M.A.W. as a Grand Lodge Representative and spent much of his time working
with the sugar industry. He started Local Lodge 2152, changed Local Lodge 57
from a Federal Union to the I.A.M.A.W., and later worked with District Lodge
166, Cape Canaveral and its local lodges.
Abstract of Interview with Frank E’Dalgo:
Interviewed by Dr. Leslie S. Hough
May 3, 1988
Transcript 38 pages
Location: End of I.A.M.A.W. Collection (L1992-14)
E’Dalgo discusses his early years growing up on a farm in Monroe County,
Georgia. At age 16, E’Dalgo moved to Florida and started in the fruit packing
industry. E’Dalgo describes his first involvement in the labor movement in
Florida as an organizer of the Fort Pierce Growers Association. His membership
in the International Association of Machinists and his position as an organizer
for the American Federation of Labor (AFL) are discussed. E’Dalgo recounts his
work with Lou Rhodes of AFL and their efforts to organize the Florida citrus
growers and canners. E’Dalgo’s work with other union organizations, particularly
those in the aircraft industry, are also discussed.
Photo and short bio on E'Dalgo
from the web page of District Lodge 166, Cape Canaveral.
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