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This is Ophelia Webber, and I am interviewing Mr. Leo McKamey. At 3026 East 21st Street, he is the business manager for the local 555 Masons and Plaster Tenders. He is also a member of 36th Legislative District. OK, Mr. McKamey. Uh, let's start off our conversation by

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telling me, uh, a little about your background, you know, where you were born, your, your, the names of your, your parents, your brothers and sisters, uh, what type of Family life you experienced and if you know anything about your grandparents, things like that. I was born

00:00:53.509 - 00:01:23.669

in Saint Louis, Missouri at 4417 Kernelly. After some time, I, My family moved to a rural area known as South Kenlock Park, Missouri. There were 3 children in the family, my twin sister Cleo, my brother Willis. My father worked for the Curtis Manufacturing Company. My mother

00:01:23.669 - 00:01:52.309

was a housewife. I attended school in Saint Louis County. The little town of South Kenlock Park, Missouri. I graduated from grammar school there and attended Lashon High School in Saint Louis. When I finished high school, I attended Stow Teachers College. Under the federal program known as

00:01:52.309 - 00:02:16.289

FERA. Which was a 2 year, similar to a junior college here. After such time, I've done possibly a year or more at Lincoln University. And I was awarded a scholarship which I attended the University of Chicago. When I finished getting my degree from the University of

00:02:16.289 - 00:02:33.919

Chicago, I came back to Saint Louis. I've met a very influential man who spoke to a class, our class there by the name of Thomas J. Hennings, who was a United States senator. And if I'm correct in my thinking, I think he was the senator of

00:02:33.919 - 00:02:59.539

the 13th congressional district. I'm almost sure that is correct. He With his influence was able to get me a job at that time the governor, the government was uh having a survey conducted on the Department of Interior. The survey was called a PNS division of white

00:02:59.539 - 00:03:17.789

collar Workers. OK, now you said his name was Thomas J. Henning, and he was a member of the United States Senate. OK, now I know in, uh, our preliminary interview you said that Mr. Henning had a great influence over, he influenced you greatly, and as far

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as, uh, What jobs you would receive in the in the future. OK, would you tell me a little more about him? Well, at that time, work was extremely hard to. To find Jobs were scarce. And it was his philosophy that the basic reason why there were

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so many students from various colleges and universities that could not obtain a job is because of the fact they did not know how to sell themselves to the employee. And his idea was to his lecture was to try to show us the expertise in selling yourself

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to employer that the valuable. Information that you had was a definite asset to his company or corporation. This impressed me. And as I previously stated, When I came home, Like many of us, were looking for a job while he assisted me in getting a job. The

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job in which I'm referring to is a job which was a survey which was being conducted. Through the Saint Louis Urban League. Under the auspices of the Interior Department, which was known as the PNS division of white-collar black workers, we made such a survey. The survey

00:04:43.390 - 00:05:06.079

lasted approximately 6 months. After such time, why? We were all looking for new jobs. Then again, he assisted me in getting a job with the city of Saint Louis and the assessor's office and the computing department. I worked there until the change of administration, which was

00:05:06.079 - 00:05:27.609

probably 12 or 13 months. And I had to look for another job. At that time, I went to work for the Saint Nicholas Catholic School teaching a drum and bugle corps. Which I was fortunate enough to take this German Bugle Corps to a Contest in Chicago

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which we walked off with first prize. Now you were the director of the Bugle Corps Corps. OK, let me back up just a minute. Now, did you, uh, major in music, minor in music, that was your major, OK. And, uh, I left. There. And went to

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Saint Louis County School and taken over a band for more money. While I was on that job, why? The war was in full bloom. And it was necessary at that time for me to either get a war job or go into service. About what year was

00:06:13.410 - 00:06:34.269

late in the 40s. 43 possibly somewhere along that line. I can't remember specifically. So I went to work for the Atlas Chemical Company. Which is Weldon Springs, Missouri, similar to the plant which we have here in Eudora. And at that time there were only 2 blacks

00:06:34.269 - 00:06:54.500

that were hired. And uh one of the young men was from the University of Iowa who was a D&T lab working in the D&T lab and I was working in the asset lab. And I was working in the classification of a nitroinous. Now, exactly what is

00:06:54.500 - 00:07:21.119

a nitramatus? A nitroatus when the Acid comes from the acid plant. It is Uh, 98. 98. I forget the points now. And we had to break it down to sulfuric and then breaking it down to sulfuric, we had to use uh mercury. And a hydrometer tube

00:07:21.119 - 00:07:36.970

to clean it. And this had to, you had to be extremely careful with this because it was highly explosive. Now, where did you get your training in this area? And you know, in chemistry. Well, well, I had some chemistry in school naturally, but I never had

00:07:36.970 - 00:07:57.179

anything explosive. And prior to the time that we were put to work, we all had a six-week training course on how to handle a different type of explosive at the plant. Now you didn't a minor in, uh, chemistry. Oh, OK. So, uh I stayed there until

00:07:57.179 - 00:08:20.350

it was almost unbearable working under the conditions of uh hostility towards black and I decided that I no longer needed that job and Any particular hostilities or just tell me, tell me about that. The uh the uh. The chief chemist He was not a cannabis. He

00:08:20.350 - 00:08:39.260

was a pharmac and naturally he was prejudiced and And uh he just, just, just didn't care for blacks uh getting the type of money that we were getting and he made it very miserable for me to stay there and this was still doing the 40s so

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I decided to quit the job. I quit the job at 12 o'clock on a midnight shift, cut a Greyhound bus and come to and come to Kansas City. Without a job And I felt sure that possibly I would get a job. Why? Any particular reason why

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you chose Kansas City? My brother was living here in Kansas City, and he was the only one that I knew in Kansas City, and I understood at that time that he was working in construction and making big money, making far more money than I was making.

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I would call it professional service and so I thought possibly I'd take a crack at this and at the same time, I had to maintain a job in order to uh came from Going to the service. So I worked a few weeks. And uh In construction.

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And after that, a couple of weeks and I've got a notice and salutation from my draft board that I'm to appear. At, uh, Jefferson Barracks and, For a physical examination from that time. OK, well, what branch of service was that? The Army, United States Army. Well,

00:10:00.590 - 00:10:22.330

did anything significant, uh, happen in the army for you, or was it just a matter of getting out, or what exactly? How? I certainly can't say that I enjoyed any part of it. I never saw any action. And thank God I didn't. Exactly what uh uh

00:10:22.479 - 00:10:43.469

position did you? I was a warrant officer. Warrant officer. OK, well, let's leave the service and what had happened after you got out of the Army. Like many of them, I dropped my 52. Until I was able to find a job. 52 what? $52 a week.

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Oh, OK. There was a special, Deal for veterans who were given $52 a week unemployment I draw that low for quite a while. Did you return to Kansas City after I returned back to Kansas City and why? I don't know why. I just came back to

00:11:04.669 - 00:11:25.710

Kansas Kansas City. I like Kansas City. Um-hum. And I think the first job I was able to get, I went to work for, Thomas Insurance Company. I worked as a utility man, I presume because I was possibly doing everything. And I asked him for a raise.

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And, uh, A few days later I was terminated. Because you asked him for a raise, presumably so. Secondly, then I went to work for for the automatic canteen company. As a purchasing agent. It was a very good job and It gave me a lot of uh

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authority that normally blacks weren't getting at that time. And I was happy to get that job basically because there was at that time quite a bit of unemployment. Many soldiers like myself was out of work. Availability of workers. Almost Neo. I worked for the automated canteen

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for possibly two years. And each day I was looking for something better and paid more money. And I think the next job that I was able to. To land. Was. A job with Local 555 and that is the union that you are the business manager at

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this time. That's right. Uh, he asked me, we at that time we were also other than working for Automatic canteen, I had joined forces with a young man and we opened up a bonding business. At 12th and Euclid. And this is before the, the, the. Yeah.

00:13:08.539 - 00:13:25.739

You, you joined the union, the local union? Yeah, this was before I joined the union. And, uh, I was very successful there and I was doing some accounting for the automatic canteen company. Basically, that's what my job was out there. And as I said, my friend

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came back from Africa and he decided that he'd like me as a friend to go in with him in the bonding business. Now who is this? Uh, uh, Mr. Albert Reddick. So we went into the bonding business as I stated, we opened our office at 12th

00:13:39.830 - 00:14:10.950

in Euclid. And we were very successful. At that time we were netting possibly $150,000 a year income. And I think this was one of the, Basic facts that I was able to. Put myself in a better financial status. And as I stated, Mr. Foster came over

00:14:10.950 - 00:14:29.520

to the, Office At 12th and Euclid because I was working the night shift there and my partner was working the day shift and asked me would I be interested in helping them out. That they had lost the secretary of the local union, he had passed, and

00:14:29.520 - 00:14:49.469

would I take over the job. And they were in financial difficulties. And, uh, help them get back into, So, And a good financial status. Now, what position did he ask you to. To take over, financial secretary of the local. OK. He let me know at the

00:14:49.469 - 00:15:14.229

beginning that there wasn't any, Money in the union and he thought it was important. But they perpetuate this local union because it historically had been black since since its inception. And, uh, He was of the opinion unless we're able to do a better job that The

00:15:14.489 - 00:15:36.090

local union would be amalgamated with some white union and They would lose their identity. So I've taken the job. And Because of the fact that we had a good income from the bonding company, why I quit Automatic Canteen and went into the office and worked possibly.

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6 to 8 months for no pay. Oh. Until we're able to build up, The necessary reserve. And after such time, we were able to build up, The necessary reserve to perpetuate the union. Since such time. I've stayed with the union. The union has been good to

00:15:56.000 - 00:16:28.059

me as far as Opportunities And it's also been a Horrible situation as far as blacks perpetuating. Organized labor. I've had the Privilege to travel extensively. I've been discriminated against extensively basically because I am black. And the fortunate thing that always hung in there was because of

00:16:28.059 - 00:16:57.260

the fact that. Out of all the construction unions in the Western part of Missouri and Kansas. That this was the only union which had a black. Business manager. And a black secretary. And black officers. Now, approximately what year was this when you first became affiliated with

00:16:57.260 - 00:17:26.739

the local 555? I think it was in about 50. Around 55, if I'm correct. I'm thinking. Uh-huh. Around 55 when I came. Became affiliated with that local union. We have from such time. Been extremely Financially successful. Later on, Uh, Mr. Tommy Calloway moved from the ranks

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of Plaster tender from a construction job to business manager of the union. And due to his competence, he was moved to the International Union as a Conciliate and organizer. But prior to That I was offered. The job in the International union as an organizer. And the

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reason I didn't take it is because of the fact that I've established my home here, my family was here. And I knew that as long as I stayed with the union and done what was right. I had a future But the possibility of going up to

00:18:17.640 - 00:18:41.739

the International Union as an organizer. If I wasn't successful in organizing. The possibility always was there that You had your job from one day to the other because The leadership of the union had the right and the power to terminate you anytime they chose, but the

00:18:41.739 - 00:19:04.430

job in which I have. Now and have had for some time. I cannot be terminated. If I'm elected to a 2 or 4 year term. I must fulfill or the union must fulfill the contract as to keeping me on the job for 4 years or either

00:19:04.430 - 00:19:29.020

paying me for 3 or 4 years, whatever happened to be the term of the contract. In 1969, the law was passed known as the Landon Griffin Act, which limited all local union. Officers to a 3 year and then a re-election after the 3 years. When Mr.

00:19:29.180 - 00:19:53.329

Calloway left the union as business manager. We solicited Mr. Vernon Brooks, who's now director of the Manpower for the Kansas City. As to take over the job of financial secretary. And I decided to move up in the ranks of manager of the union. From that time,

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we moved in. And move around, so to speak, that the people of the union, the members of our union was drawing approximately. $1 and $37.5 an hour. And at this time, what are they drawing at this time they are drawing approximately, they are drawing exactly $10

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an hour, which includes Health insurance. Pension, dental and eye care. And an annual vacation of approximately figuring 1300 hours of work hours a year of approximately 600 or $700. Every December 10th in vacation pay. Now, at the time that you became first affiliated with the union,

00:20:55.439 - 00:21:20.729

approximately how many members were there there? It was approximately 6 or 700 members. Uh, the thing that you're finding construction union is that there is a great deal of transit workers during the summer months. Your membership may possibly go up to 1000 members, but during the

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winter months when work is hampered by weather conditions, the membership has a tendency to, uh, drop off, and this is because of the way the international. Constitution is set up which governs. Uh, local unions and district councils as to any member that is 60 days in

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arrear suspended, and this causes what we call a uh The fluctuation in membership. For The last 8 or 9 years, our membership has held. On an average of. 6 To 625 members. We've perpetuated that many membership and many members for for the past 7 or 8

00:22:13.050 - 00:22:41.949

years, which it's been. Enough income to maintain. The expenses of affiliation and staff and etc. Uh, we've been able to save some money. Done some investing. And uh as of this time, I think that the local is financially successful. The one thing that the local union

00:22:41.949 - 00:23:02.800

have never done, they've never owned their own building. Basically because of the fact that The old timers had an idea if they own their own building and got into a financial difficulty. And the general president of the International Union decided to amalgamate. One local union with

00:23:02.800 - 00:23:27.469

the other. Then the building would be classified as part of the assets of the international union. So what normally have been done is several of the members of the union. For A corporation Nonprofit corporation and buy and pay for the building. And rent the building to

00:23:27.469 - 00:23:53.920

the union and this is what has been done for the past. 117 years and look, 555 is approximately 117 years old. I might say prior to such time. They were separated and there was a local which was classified as plaster tenders. It's called 205 and 555

00:23:53.920 - 00:24:19.949

was known as brick tenders. Uh, in the year of 1934, I think, uh, 1944 or some, somewhere in that area prior to the time that I came in, the International Union saw it uh fitting to Amalgamate 205 with 555 and dropped the name 205. Uh, this

00:24:19.949 - 00:24:40.380

normally has been the policy, and I don't think it was a, uh, a prejudice thing because The local in Kansas. Uh, had two locals similar and what they did to them, they amalgamated the two locals together and used the two names, and this is where they

00:24:40.380 - 00:25:02.859

come up with the local number 1290. And uh I might say too, after for a short length of time. Prior to the amalgamation of 1290, 1 of the particular locals in there was a black local which was amalgamated and since that time has perpetuated itself. With

00:25:03.280 - 00:25:31.310

the white leadership. We have, we have had some problems. With the International Union and the NAACP went to the International Union here some 10 years ago. And requested that due to the fact that 70% Of the membership of all Labor unions were black, that it was

00:25:31.310 - 00:25:57.579

about time that we have a black man on the staff. As vice president of the International Union. Now, the, the, the, uh, head office for that is in Washington, Washington DC, OK. Uh, Prior. To the time in which Mr. Calloway when Mr. Calloway was offered the

00:25:57.579 - 00:26:13.380

job to go in as international conciliator, I was offered the job first, as I stated, and I refused to take the job because I said I want to stay home. But at the same time I was given a job on the International Constitution. As a member

00:26:13.380 - 00:26:39.199

who helped Put together the Constitution of the International Union. 2 weeks prior to convention time. I've held that job for possibly 10 years or more. And this is the reason I've become involved in. Some recognition of black on the national staff with the assistance of uh

00:26:39.520 - 00:27:08.939

of uh the NAACP in Washington and in Springfield, Missouri. Uh, I think the International Union recognize the fact that the time is here. We will have to adhere to. The black people and give some representation to them. At a caucus meeting. At the hotel. In Chicago

00:27:10.770 - 00:27:33.989

I can't remember the hotel in Chicago, but this was the hotel in which The NAACP raised a great deal of Of, uh, issues in regards to the black. A boy standing in front of the hotel used as a hitching post and anyway with all the confrontations

00:27:34.609 - 00:28:01.739

that was arising out of the hotel and the convention headquarters being there. It became vitally important that the international union take under consideration. The, the project or the black situation. And as I said at the caucus meeting that evening, I was requested. To nominate Robert Poles.

00:28:03.130 - 00:28:32.229

Who was a member of Local 1290 in Kansas City, Kansas. As vice president. As 7th vice president of the International Union. Um, The convention was held at the Soldiers Field in Chicago and I did make the nomination. And uh Willard Wilkinson, who is 7/20 prospects, second

00:28:32.229 - 00:29:01.689

the motion, and he was elected unanimously as 7th vice president of the International Union. After such time. We have added Another boy from Louisiana. As vice president of the International Union. Prior to that time, I might state. That Paul Bastine. Who was the business manager of

00:29:01.689 - 00:29:25.619

the union long before I came in, was vice president of the international union, but he was appointed vice president. After such time, he was consecutively elected as any other president of the international union. This at that time gave us 3 black vice presidents of the International

00:29:25.619 - 00:29:56.219

Union. With a total staff of 8 vice presidents. And I think the disgusting thing at this particular time is that we have lost brother Pas through God's will, which is death. Now we only have. 2 black vice presidents and 6. Other, uh, Caucasian, uh, presidents. We

00:29:56.219 - 00:30:30.290

also had some problems. In the regional office in Springfield. Which This local had no conciliators, black conciliator. One time, uh, Mr. Bruce Watkin was the circuit clerk of Jackson County and he also was the president of Freedom Incorporated. Now exactly what was Freedom Incorporate organization. Which

00:30:30.290 - 00:31:00.410

worked In behalf of upgrading. And trying to steer black people to become more interested in politics. Basically their philosophy that this is the arena that black people must get into to resolve some of the problems that we encounter in our society. Uh, I'm happy to say

00:31:00.410 - 00:31:28.680

that during the inception of Freedom Incorporated, which was organized by Leon Jordan. That there were only black people in the city hall. And in the county, Jackson County Courthouse. That only had two types of jobs. First was elevator operators. Second was janitorial work. Uh, since the

00:31:30.430 - 00:32:08.119

Political Factions and etc. at that time recognized the clout that freedom had. That They were able to. Upgrade blacks to various other departments and as far as Personnel directors. And at this time, Before we went into. The charter form of government. We had approximately Over 300

00:32:08.119 - 00:32:41.989

blacks working in the Jackson County Courthouse in upgrading jobs. I felt That This was a great accomplishment. So I decided. That if Freedom Incorporated wanted me to run for The new legislative district. And the district came by, by reason of the action of the Supreme Court

00:32:41.989 - 00:33:03.250

under the one man, one vote decision to redistrict. All the area in which. There wasn't proper representation. Uh, the thirty-sixth district was a new district, not an old district. Uh, the first year that I ran in the district, uh, there were no incumbent, so I was

00:33:03.250 - 00:33:29.140

fortunate with the support of Freedom and many other political organizations to win my election. And the first year that I was in the house as a normal procedure of the house, freshman. Just really don't get a bill off. Freshmans don't normally. File a bill. OK, now,

00:33:29.189 - 00:34:04.810

wait, let's see, your first year in office was 1973. Yeah. OK, 1973. Uh-huh. Now, at that time, how many blacks were in the house? Do you remember? Wait, now, let's see, OK, uh, 4 years, 44 from, from 1970 that cut that off. OK. 73, sorry, 7374,

00:34:04.880 - 00:34:30.909

75, 6. That's correct. I'm correct on it. OK, 1973. Now at that time, how many blacks were in the house? OK, there was From Kansas City area, Holiday Curls, Jordan and myself 4 from Kansas City area. But we do have more than that from, from the,

00:34:31.120 - 00:34:53.949

the Saint Louis area. Uh, my first bill, as I stated, was a consumer's bill that I filed. OK. Now, what, what was the purpose of that? The purpose of filing the consumer's bill as many individuals throughout the state was rather disappointed with the utility service. Uh-huh

00:34:54.350 - 00:35:24.409

that. Rates were being raised to. At a point where individuals on fixed incomes. Had quite a problem trying to keep their utilities on. There were confrontations between. Our union organizations with utility companies to try to resolve labor problems, the people in the community and the people

00:35:24.409 - 00:35:48.719

that had Telephone services or whatever type of services were being curtailed their services, but yet they would charge uh the premium cost for service. My, my bill encompassed the fact that if there were confrontations with the unions at that time and service was curtailed to the

00:35:48.719 - 00:36:14.169

extent that it affect the consumer. Then my deal said that. We have looked at the Public Service Commission has looked at your Your income and we see that during the time that you had confrontations with the union, there was approximately 3000 or 400,000 people that were

00:36:14.169 - 00:36:44.070

not on your payroll. Your personnel and your supervisor operated the. The utility And the company was able to make 10 number of dollars. These dollars, those dollars were passed on. To the Stockholders of the utility company. My bill required that the Public Service commission look into

00:36:44.070 - 00:37:06.739

it and make a determination if there was a profit or windfall profit. Then this money would be rebated back to the consumer. Unfortunately, I did get a hearing on my bill. In the committee My bill was passed out to the to the House. It was filed

00:37:06.739 - 00:37:28.600

in the House. And it died on the floor for the lack of time. I might say that I have filed a new bill, which is more thorough. It has Uh, More far reaching effect. than the previous bill basically because of my experience there and some of

00:37:28.600 - 00:37:55.899

the problems that have transpired since 1923, 1973 with the utility companies. This bill will deny the utility companies from curtailing service on the weekend. This bill would also require. That people on fixed incomes, people that had children that were waiting on. ADC checks. Some other form

00:37:55.899 - 00:38:16.310

of relief checks. The utilities could not be cut off. Until they went to court. And the judge made the decision as to whether the utilities should be cut off and the children suffer being cold and hungry because of the fact that a million dollars corporation. Cut

00:38:16.310 - 00:38:31.020

their utilities off basically because that our computer broke down in Jefferson City or whatever city it might be and these people were unable to get the ADC check in time to pay the utility bills. Now that bill is in the house now. That bill is in

00:38:31.020 - 00:38:56.610

the house. It was heard in committee. Last Monday, it goes on the, On the, uh, Dogged far Perfection, first reaction and perfection. Um-hum. And I think it's a good strong bill. I think it will help a lot of people that needs help in this area. Um,

00:38:57.649 - 00:39:25.709

It will also curtail to my thinking. Of the utility companies from constantly raising the price. Basically because of the fact that they have. Submitted. Some proposal to the Public Service commission. And it will also stop the utility companies from raising the price of utility services and

00:39:25.709 - 00:39:56.500

then going for an increase after they have already obtained an increase illegally as the Kansas City Power and Light has uh. Collected over $3 million of. The Consumers in Kansas City. Through false documentations of. Information which they had given to the public service company which we

00:39:56.500 - 00:40:20.540

at this time know that they have not used. Electricity. I mean, they have not used uh uh gasoline or, or any other form of fuel to uh Make electricity. We find they've used water and coal, and they projected a price that they'd used some form of

00:40:20.540 - 00:40:40.320

fuel which, as we know, we did have a fuel crisis here in the United States and this was the basic reason which they hinged their proposal on and after the investigation that we find that they didn't. And we're at this time are looking for some uh

00:40:41.010 - 00:41:03.949

restitution for the consumers in this area or possibly maybe the Missouri State Supreme Court might take some action as to whether or not they violated some area of the statute as provided under the law. All right, I was wanting to ask you, are you pleased with

00:41:03.949 - 00:41:25.909

your movement within the house, with your accomplishments as a black man? I'm extremely proud of. The priority thing which I figured I've been able to accomplish, not as an individual but as a committee. And that was a year or so ago. The Right to Work bill

00:41:25.909 - 00:41:45.320

came up in my committee. And as I have Worked very hard in the area of research to find out as to whether or not This bill was a misnomer and to my opinion, it was a misnomer. We were able to feed it. Defeat this bill in

00:41:45.320 - 00:42:25.110

the committee. I had some hearings which I think that Cras, Representative Craws from Saint Louis and myself was the most outstanding interrogators, interrogators in this area. The Columbia News. Gave us a very, Long or. Argument as to our position that we've taken on it. I as

00:42:25.110 - 00:42:51.489

an individual, have uh Found to have many problems for supporting and being totally responsible for help killing the right to work bill in the state of Missouri. The right to work people have filed a million dollars suit. Against my local union by reason that I've taken

00:42:51.489 - 00:43:15.389

this position. Last two weeks ago, the Saint Louis paper. Called us everything but tyrants basically because of our position on this bill. And my feeling is that the right to work bill is not a right to work bill. It's a misnomer. Because under the Paf Hartnett

00:43:15.389 - 00:43:46.929

bill, everyone has a right to work. And I feel that with all the ills of unions. Black people would not be able. To project themselves. In the rising cost of living. If there were not. Unions And I also feel that unions have had a great deal

00:43:46.929 - 00:44:19.050

to do. With better living. For people who are affiliated with them. And they've given them better homes. Better food. And everything that is a total necessity. I, um, A strong believer that every man has a right. To the better things of life. And if unions are

00:44:19.050 - 00:44:38.239

the means are the ends to better things in life, then I say that they are good. As all things, there are bad unions and there are good unions. And certainly, I can't go along basically because of the fact that 1 or 2 or some unions do

00:44:38.239 - 00:45:04.350

something wrong. And in my reading, I found that. There is more bankers. That embezzle money from banks. Than they are. Union representatives who embezzle money from unions probably 50 to 1 for this reason I certainly cannot say that all unions are bad. But I can say,

00:45:04.510 - 00:45:28.199

and I can honestly say that unions have been a great help. To black people throughout the United States. And likely They've been a great asset to the white man also. I found it very interesting, um. Earlier you mentioned in the preliminary interview you mentioned how you

00:45:28.199 - 00:45:49.830

educated yourself to the rules of the house and uh would you tell me about that? How you, you know, exactly what steps you took to learn the rules? That you read your manual. Because the procedure of the house is a historical and traditional thing that It

00:45:49.830 - 00:46:11.179

could be humiliating. In the event that you did not know the rules. So I spent a great deal of time. Trying to Learn the rules of the house, how to present a bill, how to present an argument on the floor. In order to protect your bill.

00:46:11.860 - 00:46:29.969

If you do not know the procedure of the house, there's a good possibility that you can lose a bill. And I'm quite sure that this is the reason why we lost the bill or this man lost the bill on the Sunday closing law because of the

00:46:29.969 - 00:46:52.739

fact he did not know the procedure and the policy of the house and how to handle the bill on the house. I might also state too that. I overlooked the fact that, It is a policy of our international union. Since 1969. is to send each business

00:46:52.739 - 00:47:21.469

agent. Our business manager. Our financial secretary. To Harvard University. To learn labor law under the Landon Griffith Act and under the Taft-Hartley Act. And the basic reason why they do this is because of the international union. can become totally liable in event that an affiliated local

00:47:21.469 - 00:47:44.280

with the international union. Go out and flagrantly violate. Some section of the tab Harley or the line of Griffith um the Risher, the new RSHA law or the pension revised law, and for fortunately I have been able to, to attend these classes for the past 10

00:47:44.280 - 00:48:10.820

years. Uh, we also have the National Health and Welfare Foundation which we traveled from Honolulu to, uh, San Diego, California to seminars to become familiar with the new law ratio and etc. so it motivated me by reason that I have been exposed to. Uh, Knowing that

00:48:10.820 - 00:48:32.129

this is the only way that you exist is by becoming knowledgeable. Of what's transpiring in that area whether it be the House of Representatives, whether it be the Senate, whether it be the National Health and Welfare Foundation or whether it be the labor laws alone, I'm

00:48:32.129 - 00:48:54.989

also respected as uh my first year in the House of Representatives as being not a lawyer but one of the most knowledgeable. Individual as far as labor law is concerned, no lawyer in the house ever challenged me on any section of labor law in the house,

00:48:55.030 - 00:49:22.620

and this way I've gained admirable respect. From every representative, whether he be Republican or Democrat in the House of Representatives. Hm. Now, you have been, Extremely instrumental within the union since you've been affiliated with it, are there any particular. Uh, Gains that have been made that

00:49:22.649 - 00:49:42.459

that you are particularly proud of since you have been a member of the local? I'm proud of one of the particular programs which. We were able to. Establishing our union. And that was a health care program which we classified as the Labor's Health and Welfare program.

00:49:44.580 - 00:50:04.659

They, what we really find with many of our members of local unions is that they are a little negligent about carrying the proper amount of insurance on their family. And during such time that they do have sickness or death in the family. They have to go

00:50:04.659 - 00:50:24.250

to some other agency. In order to See that their hospital bill is paid or see whether their, their doctor bill is paid. We've been able to establish that in our, our union and I've been able as one of the leaders of the union to have a

00:50:24.250 - 00:50:47.949

program which. We'll see that the family is admitted into the hospital. And a major medical problem which we know that we will pick up 80% of the major medical bill. The second thing is that I'm extremely proud of. We have a dental clinic where anyone that

00:50:47.949 - 00:51:09.379

has a dental problem can call out to the office, set up an appointment, go out and get his dental work done or he. For his wife, for his children, doesn't cost him one penny. If there's an eye problem, we have the best eye specialists in Kansas

00:51:09.379 - 00:51:28.689

City. He can go out there, get eyeglasses, have any type of eye disease treated, and it doesn't cost him one penny. And these are some of the things that I think we've been able to accomplish where years some years ago that this type of service was

00:51:28.689 - 00:51:45.929

not available if the member wasn't working he didn't have that that opportunity to go to a private doctor and uh he had that opportunity to go to a private doctor but providing he had the money this way he doesn't need the money and these this is

00:51:45.929 - 00:52:13.459

one of the things that I'm. Think that it's been Accomplished that probably should have been accomplished years ago. Many instances we have members that. Don't care Life insurance. We have life insurance. On his wife. And his children. And all he has to do in order to

00:52:13.459 - 00:52:32.649

get it is present a death certificate and. His life insurance are paid and it's quite a sizable amount, which would, There's no problem in burying any member of the family at one of the most exclusive funeral homes in the city or in the state. This I

00:52:32.649 - 00:52:47.469

think is a is a great accomplishment for our membership. It's a great accomplishment for our families. And one of the other problems, one of the other things that I think we've been able to accomplish. That has been a great asset to the family is the fact

00:52:47.469 - 00:53:12.080

that. We have set aside. 50 cents an hour for every hour that individual worked as a saving account. And 10 and the 10th of December. Whether he worked or what he hasn't worked. He draws this money for his family for Christmas there after Christmas. We pay

00:53:12.100 - 00:53:34.459

a dividend on his money which has been in there which at this time the average dividend is paid on the. Average member of our union runs somewhere around $60 to $160. The amount of vacation funds runs from $600 to almost $1500 for Christmas, and this is

00:53:34.459 - 00:53:51.479

one thing that our members have not learned to do is to save and prepare for the rainy day. As you know, in the construction industry, uh, right after Thanksgiving, the weather gets bad. Members don't make very much time. They don't have very much money, but. He

00:53:51.479 - 00:54:10.449

can recognize and rely on December 10th. He's got enough money available for him to give his family the type of Christmas that every man likes to give his family, and this is one of the greatest accomplishments that I think that any local union can do, not

00:54:10.449 - 00:54:38.760

only for the members but for the members' family. Mr. McKamey, what are your political plans for the future? Well, I plan to run, For reelection this coming spring. To the house Uh, I will have in at that time 3 terms which is provided that I will

00:54:38.760 - 00:55:05.719

be eligible for a pension. I also have a pension with my international union. I have a pension under my local pension program. And I feel that there is enough income. That I can live very comfortable. With the three pensions. And if I'm fortunate enough. I hope

00:55:05.719 - 00:55:36.050

to live to get 65 or 62 and draw my Social Security, but I don't intend to. Totally stopped. I hope That I will be able to continue my Work in the area of. Of uh the labor movement. I feel that the experience that I have and

00:55:36.750 - 00:56:02.159

I've also been, it has been confirmed. By the General Executive Board of my international union. There's always a spot for an individual that who has the know-how. To Accomplish The things that we've been able to accomplish in our union with some of the young unions that

00:56:02.159 - 00:56:21.669

are starting out. And I think the biggest field that uh that is available to me at this particular time would be the public employees union. Throughout the state and throughout the United States, and I'm quite sure that there'll be no problem. At all for working what

00:56:21.669 - 00:56:45.709

we call general assignments. It does require you to be away from home a great deal, but you're adequately paid. To uh take on such accomplishments. Uh, I have had, uh, one of the, uh, the general assignments jobs in, uh, Columbus, Ohio with a local that had

00:56:45.709 - 00:57:05.100

some problems up there, and I was able to put the local back in good shape. The local now is worth possibly $2 million. There's another field that I possibly. Could, uh, uh, get a job in part-time job, and that is with the National Health and Welfare

00:57:05.100 - 00:57:37.060

Foundation. With Talli International. And work as a Coordinator Between labor organizations. And Actuary. And pension and welfare programs throughout the United States because I think that this is the trend. Now, which has been requested by the Department of Labor for unions to become more involved in

00:57:37.560 - 00:58:06.139

trying to. Make available such plans as we have initiated. Throughout the United States for those unions and for those public employees who do not have such benefits that we have made available to our members and their families. Speaking with you earlier. I found that you had

00:58:06.139 - 00:58:29.550

a particular interest in today's you. In this fast paced world that we live in. What are your hopes and aspirations for today's youth? What would your message be to the youth of today? Well, my opinion of the youth today is a very good opinion. I feel

00:58:29.550 - 00:58:59.909

that all boys and girls, if they have an opportunity. Would probably make a great imprint. In our society. And my effort would be to impress. Upon every youth today. To try to get a good education. Where he can survive. In our society, because I believe at

00:58:59.909 - 00:59:31.879

this time, our changing time, that no youth. can establish himself. Economically In our society unless he had armed himself with an adequate education. As of today, any individual that applies for a job. The first thing that the questionnaire usually answers. Have you finished high school? Today

00:59:31.879 - 01:00:01.389

you cannot obtain a job of any. sizable amount of income unless You have at least. High school education. So my ambition and desire and what I would like to contribute to the youth today is to strongly impress upon them. that unless they are Ready, willing, and

01:00:01.389 - 01:00:29.040

able to obtain. A good quality education. There is no place in this society for them other than some type of. Aid government aid, whether it be ADC or welfare. And by qualifying for the future, I mean that he's he or she will have to. Have some

01:00:29.040 - 01:01:03.610

understanding. Of our changing society where it requires the people that have the experience and training in the technological field. Electronics. All form of automation. And unless one. Does really get. That experience or that education. Then there's no future for him or her. I have been involved

01:01:03.610 - 01:01:36.449

with The Big Brother's Club. For some time. And I see a tremendous need. For individuals. To help These young people and to give them some guidance as to which direction they should go in order that they might survive in the years of 1980. And unless we

01:01:36.449 - 01:02:01.570

as people who have experienced in the past and recognize a change, And relate this to the youth of today. Then I feel that there will be no future, and our total obligation is to advise them as to what has transpired during our lifetime and the changes

01:02:01.780 - 01:02:25.030

and recognizing the changes in the future that they may prepare themselves. To meet the future With a great deal of confidence that I am ready. If the opportunity is there, then I can take the advantage of it. Mr. McKamey, thank you. You are a great asset

01:02:25.030 - 01:02:29.600

to the Kansas City community. Thank you for your time.