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.