Justin Ostro oral history interview, August 13, 2012

Item — othertype: Oral History

Identifier: OstroJ_L2012-39

Staff Only

Justin Ostro oral history interview

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Scope and Contents

Interviewed by Traci Drummond. Ostro starts by discussing his parents' work background. Ostro recalls growing up in a pro-union environment and talks about some of his early work experiences and union involvement. He describes working for the United Maritime Service and being repatriated after the war. He recounts joining Republic Aviation as a mechanic and becoming shop steward. Ostro discusses the 16 week strike at Republic Aviation and its settlement. He details his duties in the positions of directing business representative and grand lodge representative. He recalls becoming general vice president and talks about his political activities with the Hartford and New Haven Labor Councils. He recalls his time with the Democratic National Committee and talks about his retirement.

Dates

Creation: August 13, 2012

Creator

Ostro, Justin (Interviewee, Person)

Restrictions on Access

Oral history available for research.

Biographical Note

Justin Ostro was born in 1927 in on the west side of Manhattan. He grew up in a pro-union community and first became a member of the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees Union, Local 6. He then joined the United States Maritime Service and the National Maritime Union. After leaving military service, he goes to work for Home Linen Supply, joining the Amalgamated Clothing Workers. He then goes to work for Republic Aviation as a structural mechanic, where he becomes shop steward for the IAM. Ostro became president directing business representative. He also worked with the New York State Council of Machinists and the Long Island Federation of Labor. In 1966, he became grand lodge representative and then general vice president. Ostro also worked with the Hartford Labor Council and the New Haven Labor Council, as well as being elected to the Democratic National Committee. He retired in 1992.