William Scheri oral history interview, August 14, 2012

Item — othertype: Oral History

Identifier: ScheriB_L2012-36

Staff Only

William Scheri oral history interview

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Scope and Contents

Interviewed by Traci Drummond. Scheri recalls his immigrant parents and the labor environment in the Utica, NY community, where he grew up. He talks about his service in the Air Force and going to work for Mohawk Airlines as a mechanic. Scheri discusses his role as grievance committee chairman and talks about being vice president of the local and the strike during that time. He recalls serving as assistance general chairman as well as assistant airline coordinator and airline coordinator. He remembers the Eastern Airlines strike and comments on the effects of deregulation on the airlines. Scheri talks about his role as vice president of transportation and recalls influential people in his life.

Dates

Creation: August 14, 2012

Creator

Scheri, William (Interviewee, Person)

Restrictions on Access

Oral history available for research.

Biographical Note

Bill Scheri was born in Utica, NY in 1935. The son of Italian immigrants, he grew up in a union environment; his grandfather was a labor organizer and his uncle was a grand lodge representative. After serving in the Air Force, Scheri joined Mohawk Airlines and trained to be a mechanic. He became shop steward for the IAM while at Mohawk. He subsequently became grievance committee chairman and vice president of the local. In 1968 he became assistant general chairman of District Lodge 147. He also held the positions of assistant airline coordinator and airline coordinator. Scheri became vice president of transportation in 1994. He retired in 1999.