The Labor Archives of Washington (LAW) is dedicated to serving the labor movement in the Pacific Northwest by preserving its historical records and offering guidance on managing active records. We conduct regular workshops on historical records preservation and records management for labor unions. To schedule training, please contact Labor Archives Head Conor Casey.
For many labor organizations, maintaining effective records management is vital. It not only helps in locating key documents dating back to the founding charter but also ensures the retrieval of vital records when needed. A robust records management strategy can empower unions in their core activities, such as organizing new members, bargaining with employers, and safeguarding members' rights on the job.
Preserving Union Records
Presentation Slideshow: Explore"Don't Mourn, Organize! Creative Approaches to Preserving Historical Labor Records" by Robin Walker and Conor Casey.
How to Keep Union Records (Download PDF): A practical guide for union officers and staff on labor records management by Debra Bernhart. Courtesy of the George Meany Memorial Archives.
A Commonsense Guide to Union Records Management (Download PDF): A quick guide to records management for union officers and staff by Eugene D. Vrana and Rae C. Shiraki. Courtesy of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), with special thanks to ILWU Librarian/Archivist Robin Walker.
How to Clean Out a Union Office Without Destroying History (Download PDF): This 3-page publication by Helmut Knies, Collection Development Archivist at the Wisconsin Historical Society, offers a step-by-step guide on setting up a records management system for local unions, preserving historical archives, and decluttering unnecessary materials.
Don't Throw It Away! Documenting and Preserving Organizational History (Download PDF): A practical how-to guide for organizations of all sizes on preserving their records.
What Records Should I Keep? (Download PDF): This handout outlines the typical formats of labor records, specifying which records of enduring value should be retained or donated to the Labor Archives of Washington.
What Will Processing Archival Records Cost? (Download Document): Many unions collaborate with the Labor Archives to help fund part or all of the processing of their archival collections. This handout provides insights into the costs associated with processing records, allowing donors to estimate the expenses involved in processing their collection.
Donating Records to the Labor Archives
When considering what to retain or donate to the Labor Archives of Washington, please refer to the following guidelines:
Definitely Retain
Agendas
Agreements
Annual reports
Articles of incorporation
Artwork
By-laws
Buttons
Charters
Committee files
Conference/Convention programs
Contracts (Drafts, Final, Printed in Booklet Form)
Correspondence
Directories/Rosters/Yearbooks
Documents pertaining to legislative activity or lobbying
Flyers
Grievances
Meeting minutes
Memoranda of Understanding
Newsletters
Interviews
Issues files reflecting your organization’s work
Job descriptions of major staff
Officer's files (Identify name of officer and position)
Organizational flow charts
Photographic materials – photos, movies, negatives, albums, etc. [Please identify individuals in photos and events pictured if possible]
Picket Signs
Policies
Political action files (Committee on Political Action or other committee)
Programs from conferences or other events
Reports (annual, financial, committee, etc.)
Posters
Programs from events
Resolutions
Scrapbooks
Speeches (audio and transcript)
Testimony
Retain
Publications ranging from books produced by the organization to brochures
Research files on particular actions, negotiations, campaigns, or targets
Maps
Additionally, we can't accept the following:
Cancelled checks
Financial transaction records
Job applications
Personnel files
Planning files for events
Financial files
Tax returns
For any queries or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.
