Herb Butler papers

Herb Butler was born November 4, 1927 in Silver Grove, Kentucky In his career with the union he served as Chairman, Region & Servicing Representative, a member of the Employment Security Agency Advisory Council, Director of the Atlanta area UAW from 1969 to 1990, and Chairman of Local the Local 10 Retirees chapter. He was loved and respected by his peers, and became one of the most influential leaders in labor union history in the state of Georgia.

Herb first joined UAW Local 10 in 1945 when he worked at Bell Aircraft for 3 months on the B-2 Building as an Instrument Repaiman. He then joined the Merchant Marines in 1945 and served as a Seaman for 18 months and was a member of the National Maritime Union (NMUAFL). In January 1948 he joined UAW Local 34, and worked at the Chevrolet Plant for 3 weeks. He was laid off after 3 weeks and applied for work at the Ford Plant in Hapeville, and B.O.P Doraville.

On February 4, 1948 Herb was hired as an Assembler in the Cushion Room at B.O.P Doraville, Georgia. He joined UAW Local 10 on February 12, 1948. That same year he served on the Organizing Committee. In 1948 and 1949 he served on several election Committees and Appointment Committees. In 1951, he was elected as Alternate Committeeman in the trim Department. In 1952, he was elected as Committeeman in the trim Department. Then in 1953, Herb was elected Chairman and served in that role until until going on to the Staff of the International Union on October 26, 1957. He was assigned to service Local 10.

In January 1971, Herb was appointed Atlanta Area Director by Region 8 Director E.T. Michael. The Local 10 Membership voted to name the Local 10 Union Hall "The Herb Butler Hall" for the many contributions he has made to Local 10. A Dedication Day and barbecue was held on October 1, 1983 in honor of him. Herb retired July 1990 and was later elected Retiree Chapter Chairman. He passed away in February 2008. (Source: UAW Region 8 News, 25 February 2008)