Let's Sing UPW-CIO Songs | Souvenir of the 1949 Special Convention, October 14-16, 1949

[New York]: Local 1 UPW-CIO, 1949. A folder of 17 songs distributed at the UPWA’s 1949 convention. Attendees were encouraged to “Save this Folder [to] “sing while you fight - on the picket line - on a picnic - at chapter meetings - socials - always.” The bulk of the songs are union anthems, such as “Solidarity Forever” and “Which Side Are You On?,” but there are also two civil rights songs “Lift Every Voice” [Negro National Anthem] and “Hallelujah! I’m A-Travelling,” as well as “The Star Spangled Banner.”

The United Public Workers of America existed from 1946-1952 as a labor union representing federal, state, county, and local government employees. It was affiliated with the Congress of Industrial Organizations, but was ultimately expelled from that organization due to the UPWA’s Communist affiliations. The union was staunchly anti-racist and often fought on behalf of black workers who were being discriminated against.

Cream sheet folded (9 ½”’ x 6) and offset printed in dark blue, 4 p. Faint toning, light wear. Not found by us separately cataloged in OCLC. A scarce survivor. Item #10702

Price: $75.00