History of Local Lodge No. 623 IAMAW

AMENDMENT TO UNION CONTRACT

This amendment is made and entered into between the Char-Gale Manufacturing Company, Airplane Division, St. Cloud, Minnesota and District Lodger #77 International Association of Machinists as an amendment to the Wage and Working Agreement heretofore executed on the 29th day of April 1942.

WITNESSES

In conformity with President Roosevelt’s Executive Order effective October 1st, 1942, relating to overtime or other premium pay for work on Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays: it is hereby agreed by and between the above mentioned parties that this order, its amendments, and all subsequent interpretations shall take precedence over the overtime previously enumerated in the Wage and Working agreement between the parties heretofore mentioned for such time as this order shall remain in full force and effect.

Signed this 7th day of October, 1942

Char-Galle Manufacturing Company

By ________________________ (Could not make out)
President
E. L. Bracklow

Dist. Lodge #77 Int. Ass’y of Machinists

By Melton J. Betzold
John E. Wagner

1943

As I try to write the rest of the Local Lodge No. 623 History it will be in me own words, as I don’t think that anyone would be willing to go through all of the old minutes and forms.

It is hard to go through the old files as nothing is in order.

As you can see, the name of the Local was Machinists and Air Craft Lodge No. 623.


In 1943 Milton J. Betzold was the Secretary of the Local. Leonard G. Kernan who later became the Financial Secretary, Later he became the Business Representative of District #77 Local Lodge No. 623. Later on he became the Human resource Director of Franklin Manufacturing.

The Local Lodge was in The Northland Building located at 11 - 8th Ave. So. St. Cloud, Minnesota..

The Officers for 1943 are as follows:

President E. C. Wilhelm
Recording Secretary Hilda Carter
Treasurer E. W. Swanson
Financial Secretary Vernon N. Visneski




1944

Taken from the minutes of November 6, 1944 of the St. Cloud Central Labor Union.
The report from Machinists #623 that no further report on negotiations with DeZuriks. Char-Gale plant going smoothly. Raised $5,006.00 toward the St. Cloud Community Chest and War Fund.





1945

The following was taken from the Local Lodge Minutes:
On Jan. 2, 1945 The Machinists Auto and Air Craft Local 623, International Association of Machinists called the meeting to order at 3:00 A. M. at the Moose Hall.
The Roll Call of Officers resulted as follows:
President Vern Visneski
Rec. Secy Dick Cota
Fin Secy E. W. Swanson
Sentinel Ben Dullinger
Trustee Kampa
Newly elected President Vern Visneski presided over the meeting. A all newly elected Officers were previously installed at the day meeting.
There was a discussion on how to finance the newspaper (Local 623 News). A motion was made, seconded that the matter be taken up by the Executive Board, and their decision brought back to the members.
Bills were paid and Communications were read.
Names of new applicants were read, and a motion made, seconded that they be accepted into our Local.
President Visneski suggested various sections of the plant elect shop committeemen and turn in their findings to either Swanson or Cota.
In Fuselage Geneieve Gaida was to look into the matter of the 4 A’s and B’s. Jim Sherer was to look into the 3A’s and B’s.
Motion made and seconded to limit the refreshments to $10.00
No Committee Reports.
Meeting adjourned at 4:00 A. M.
Dick Cota


Just a comment of mine: I wonder how many of our members would be willing to meet at 3:00 in the morning.

On Jan. 2, 1945 a meeting of the Machinists Auto and Air Craft Local 623, International Association of Machinists was called to order at 8:00 P. M. At the Moose Hall.
The roll of officers is as follows
President E. C. Wilhelm
Rec.- Secy Hilda Carter
Fin Secy Vern Visneski
Treas E. W. Swanson
Under Good of Association:
There was a discussion in regards to the irregularities in evidence at the election of the 5th District B. A. Held in November.
There was a Motion made and seconded to have a through investigation at District 77 and find out why there were 18 ballots marked out. One was marked out at Local 623
A committee was appointed to go to District 77.
New Officers were sworn in.
President Vern Visneski
Vice President Clarence Lepinski
Fin Secy E. W. Swanson
Rec Secy Angeline Dullinger
Treas Genevieve Gaida
Conductor Leo Baker
Sentinel Ben Dullinger
Trustees John Kampa
Art Greene
Ray Karls
Members present 85.

Hilda Carter

On Jan. 5, 1945 the Executive Board met to discuss the Local 623 News. After further discus0sion, it was decided to keep the paper as before withy no change in the ads. The benefits there of to be used later for the committee use, also to state which of these ads are unorganized, to leave all details to the paper committee after referral to Executive Aboard, also to include DeZurik Showers on committee.
All details of the paper are left to the committee after referral to the Executive Board.
Discussion of a girl for the Office work.
Motion made seconded and carried to establish hours to benefit all members as to taking dues from both day and night shifts from 3:30 to 6:30 P. M.
Motion made and carried to secure a bond for the person in charge of general office work.
The appearance of the investigating committee which was appointed to investigate the election of Business Agent and who was responsible took place. There was a question of having to travel to District 77 for a meeting. There was also a question of expenses, there was a reference to a letter dated Dec. 26, 1944 was made, referring back to instructions as received before the election. Motion made and carried to pay usual car expenses plus meals if needed it the investigation goes back to District 77.
Motion made and carried to increase books from 1200 to 1500.
Business of grievance and shop committee were discussed, It was decided that each committee have its own chairman and make recommendations to Board and in floor meeting.
Secretary to submit letter to Char Gale Mfg. Co. recognizing Grievance, Reclassification Wage Review.
Meeting adjourned

Angeline Dullinger

The following are taken from the minutes of Local Lodge 623:

MACHINISTS, AUTO AND AIR CRAFT Local No. 623


International Association of Machinists
Date January 16, 1945
The Lodge was called to order at Moose Hall at 3:10 A. M.
Official Roll Call as follows Treasurer Gen Gaida
President Vern Visneski Conductor
Past President Sentinel
Vice President Trustee
Recording Sec’y Dick Cota Trustee
Financial Sec’y E. W. Swanson Trustee
A motion wa made and seconded that the minutes of the P. M. meeting be approved with (corrections) Swanson and Bine
In the corrections of the P. M. minutes the paper and the new committees was discussed further. In addition to the names already on the entertainment committee, Lee Chapman and Everett Snell were added to it.
The names of three new applicants were read and a motion was made and seconded they be accepted into our Local. (Gaida and Stevenson)
Reports of Committees:
Sick Committee Mrs. W. Bell was reported as doing fine after an operation.
A motion was made and seconded that the bills be paid. (Bine and Kinney)
The first reading of an amendment to the by-laws was read. This pertains to a change in meeting dates of the 2nd and 4th Tues. in the month instead of the present 1st and 3rd.
Brother Swanson made a motion that we concur with the suggestion of the Ex. Board in accepting F. H. O’Brien as Shop Steward. Dombovy seconds, carried.
A motion was made, seconded that we have a standing vote for acceptance of the expenses of officers in the Local. 28 standing,
The jackpot was won by Gen Gaida.
Recess until 9 P. M. Jan. 17, 1945 for the purpose of holding polls open for election of Dist. Business Agent
Names of new Applicants were:
Ben Gossweller
Delrose Swansky
Allen J. Quinn
Dick Cota





1945

On Jan. 16, 1945 The Machinists, Auto and Air Craft Local 623 was called to order at the Moose Hall at 8:00 P. M.
Official Roll Call as follows Treasurer
President Vern Visneski Conductor Leo Baker
Past President F. C. Wilhelm Sentinel Ben Dullinger
Vice President C. Lepinski Trustee Ray Karls
Recording Sec’y A. Dullinger Trustee Art Greene
Financial Sec’y E. W. Swanson Trustee John P. Kampa
Minutes of the last meetings were read and corrected.
Applicant names were read and accepted
Motion made, seconded and carried that the recommendstions of the Executive Board be acted on separately.
Appointments for stewards for the day crew were accepted.
Changing the meeting dates was laid over to new business
Motion made, seconded, and carried that we concur with the Executive Board recommendation in regards to the expense of Officers.
A standing vote was taken--93 in favor.
Reports of committees:
Report of District #77 Executive Board
Report on Investigation given, not complete. Motion made, seconded, and carried to leave the polls open until 9 o’clock the following night--Jan 17, 1945 -- from 3 to 9 P. M. and to concur with recommendation of Ex. Bd. To opening polls on Jan. 16, 1945
Bus. Rep Milton Betzold reported his wish to go on record as to the legality of opening poklls at 5 o’clock.
First reading of the by laws
Motion Made, seconded, carried not to concur with Ex Bd. Recommendation in regards to the
Changing of the meeting nights.
Motion made seconded, carried that Chairman appoint committee to investigate the changing of hall to conform with amendments of the By Laws.
Motion made, seconded , and carried that the Chairman go to Wage and Hour on Union Contract.
Motion made, seconded, and carried to recess.

Angeline Dullinger


1945

On Jan. 25, 1945 the Shop Committee Meeting was called to order at 8:00 p. M. in the Northland Building.
Roll Call of Officers was taken, with A. A. Nelson present.
Wage and Working Agreement Books were given to the members. Discussion on the duties of Shop Committee Men and Women took place. A meeting is to be held once each month was decided. Executive Board meetings were clarified to members--all members of the Lodge may sit in, but will have no vote. They can express opinions,
Wage Reviews and work of Committee men and women was discussed, also a decision was made that the night crew have their own set up.
Motion made and carried that we elect a chairman and co-chairman for the shop committee. Wage Reviews and further understanding as to Contract and Company was discussed, and of Wage and Working Agreements.
A reading of A. A. Nelson’s letter to Wage and Hour. Reclassification was recommended.
Discussion of next meeting was held.
Motion made and carried that the next meeting be a called meeting.
Motion made and carried to adjourn. 11:00 P. M.

Angeline Dullinger
Feb. 1945

On Feb. 5, 1945 the Machinists, Auto and Air Craft Local No. 623 Executive Board meeting was called to order at 8:00 P. M. in the Northland Building.
The roll call of Officers resulted as follows:
President Vern Visneski Treasurer
Past President Conductor Leo Baker
Vice President C. Lepinski Sentinel Ben Dullinger
Rec. Sec’y. A. Dullinger Trustee Art Greene
Fin. Sec’y. E. W. Swanson Trustee John Kampa
Trustee
A. A. Nelson was present
Reading of Communications on O. P. A.
Motion, made, seconded and carried to set aside communication for further study.
Discussion on Organization Committee Work.
Discussion on Raymond Brothers. Mr. Nelson gave a report n area rate for mechanics.
Discussed Hildgers Co. and garage to be unorganized.
Question of Expense for committee work, to be done and of gas coupons, etc. It was decided records were to be kept of calls made, and who contacted committee to meet with board and details left to Organization committee. A member ership fee was also discussed and as to the amount.
Sick Benefits: The approval was received, and reading of By Laws took place. Discussion of separate fund for sick benefit. The question of sick committee benefits discussed. Motion was made, seconded and carried to keep sick benefits as to previous motion, and individual must be sick one week before receiving gift of $1.50
The question of forms to be used for Sick Benefits discussed. Several made up for approval.
Shop Committee Meeting discussed as to Lead man. Classification to workers B riveters, Dept. Seniority, Plant Seniority, Ability.
Change of Hall Committee reports in no change of date for this hall, but prospects of Legion Hall.
Service Flag discussed.
New Shop Steward be appointed to replace Norbert Karls - William Chapman was recommended.
Safety Committee discussion
Motion made, seconded, and carried to adjourn at 10:45 P. M.



February 5, 1945
The following reports are taken from the minutes of the St. Cloud Central Labor Union at the Woolworth Hall.
Machinists: Wage review going on and wages will be retroactive to January 8. They told of false rumors about the plant being shut down. Still negotiating at DeZurick Shower Company.


On Feb. 5, 1945 The Machinists, Auto and Air Craft Local No. 623 was called to order at
8:15 P. M. at the Moose Hall.
Official Roll Call as follows Treasurer
President Vern Visneski Conductor Leo B aker
Past President E. C. Wilhelm Sentinel Ben Dullinger
Vice President Clarence Lepinski Trustee
Recording Sec’y Angeline Dullinger Trustee
Financial Sec’y E. W. Swanson Trustee John Kampa
Minutes of the last meeting were accepted as corrected
Minutes of the morning meeting were accepted as read.
Minutes of the Executive Board were accepted as read.
New applicants names wee read and accepted.
Motion made, seconded and carried to pay the bills as read.
Communications read.
Reports were given by the Legislative Committee on the u upcoming bills in the Legislature that are against Labor.
Mr. Nelson gave a report on the information he received on the changing of meeting night of hall.
Entertainment gave a report on the dance given Feb. 3, 1945
Brother Visneski gave a report on meeting with the Wage and Hour Division and who attended from Local 623 and Company representation.
Brother Pelowsaki spoke on the sanitation of the plant.
Brother Youel spoke on flag for the Organization with the understanding we gave no flag.
Irene Brunner was given consent of donating a large flag to the Organization.
The leaving of Plant, and noon punching of clock in different manner was to be looked into.
A report on the Safety program and managements cooperation was given.
Approval of Amendment of By Laws on Sick Benefit was discussed.
Report on Presidents Ball and as to 377 tickets sold by Local 623.
Meeting adjourned at 10 o’clock
About 70 people attended.



On 6 day of Feb, 1945 the Machinists, Auto and Air Craft Local No. 623 met at 3:00 A. M. at the Moose
Official Roll Call as follows Treasurer Gen Gaida
President Vern Visneski Conductor
Past President Sentinel
Vice President Trustee R. Karls
Recording Sec’y Dick Cota Trustee
Financial Sec’y E. W. Swanson Trustee
All of the minutes from the last meeting were read and approved.
Applications were read, and the new members were acetated into the Lodge.
A discussion was held on the Shop Committee, and it was agreed that the night crew should have more people to help on the committee. President Visneski gave the group some information about the set up of the day crew committee which at the present time is active.
On the paper committee, the staff members gave reports on their activities, and up to this date everything is coming along fine. They also said that the paper will make it’s appearance around the 14th of February..
Good of Association:
President Visneski gave a report on the wage reviews and explained the delay in the return of them. He read an A. V.O. from Vice President Bracklow stating that as soon as he completes Company Business the wage reviews will be finished. It was also noted in Visneski’s report that rate can be paid as specified in the contract.
Due to the delay in the wage reviews all wages granted will be retroactive from Jan. 8, 1945
Brother Nelson the Business Agent gave a short report on this same manner.
The Amendment to the By Laws pertaining to sick benefits has been approved by the Grand Lodge.
Financial Secretaries and Treasurers Reports were read.
Business Agent Nelson reported on the Labor Activities in the Twin City Area
Jack Pot was won by Betty Silbernick/
Meeting adjourned at 4:00 A. M.


Amendment to the By - Laws
Sick Benefits
Any member who has paid twelve months dues into this Lodge and is not more than thirty days in arrears, who through sickness or injury is unable to work, shall receive the following benefits:
Those paying $2.00 per month dues, 44.00 per week benefits
Those paying $1.50 per month dues, $3.00 per week benefits.
Benefits not to exceed seven weeks in any twelve months period. Any member having paid Twenty- four months dues into this Lodge shall receive not to exceed thirteen (13) weeks benefits.
Members are not entitled to these benefits if his sickness or injury is the result of his own improper conduct or in the case of epidemic.
Sec. 2. No benefits shall be paid for the first week or the fraction part of a week.
Sec. 3. Apprentices shall receive sick benefits at one-half the rate paid to a journeyman.
Sec. 4. Any member failing to notify the Financial Secretary or Recording Secretary within one week after taking sick shall forfeit all claims for time lapsed between the first days sickness and the day he does notify.
Sec. 5. All claims must be presented to the Lodge on regular forms provided for this purpose and be endorsed by the sick committee. The Recording Secretary shall keep a correct record of all sick claims.
Sec. 6. It shall be the duty of the sick committee to visit all sick or disabled brothers and report their condition to the Lodge. The committee, by majority vote, may grant immediate relief not to exceed five dollars ($5.00) which shall be deducted from the amount due as sick benefit, when claim is presented.