George Poulin oral history interview, December 5, 2011

Item — othertype: Oral History

Identifier: PoulinG_L2012-12

Staff Only

George Poulin oral history interview

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Scope and Contents

Interviewed by Traci Drummond. George Poulin begins by talking about his first exposure to unions, briefly turns to his parents, and then returns unions. He talks first joining the IAM at Plax Corp, becoming a steward, and the first understanding the power of the contract. He discusses being elected to the local lodge, the duties of a president, the strikes at Vulcan Radiator and M.H. Roach Corp. He spends time talking about organizing while being president and working for the International as an organizer, particularly working with Jerry Page. Poulin also mentions the impact of the AFL and CIO merger and the confrontations with UE. He talks about becoming a regional organizer and then regional vice president. He specifically mentions working with Eugene Glover on the Winpisinger Center. He goes into detail on the strike at United Aircraft and Winchester Repeating Arms. He then talks about international work with South African unions. Poulin discusses how the economy has impacted the union, particularly outsourcing. He ends by talking about his life in retirement.

Dates

Creation: December 5, 2011

Creator

Poulin, George, 1932- (Interviewee, Person)

Restrictions on Access

Oral history available for research.

Biographical Note

George Poulin was born in 1932 in Hartford, Connecticut to French Canadian immigrants. His mother is from Cape Hill and his father is from Quebec Province. After meeting in the states, they had five children with George as the second oldest. George grew up in Connecticut and joined the IAM at 18. He worked on organizing campaigns throughout New England. Poulin has been a member of the IAM for more than 60 years. During his tenure at the IAM, Poulin served as Lodge President, Grand Lodge Representative, Regional Vice President, and General Vice President. Poulin’s organizing experience comprises an impressive list of wins including newly organized plants, affiliating independent unions, and important strikes in the Northeast. After retiring Poulin also organized two retiree groups and remains active in politics. He retired in 1997 and lives in Connecticut.