Photograph of W.J. Usery, Jr., courtesy of the Georgia State University Library.

Today (March 10th) at 4 p.m., the Law Library will host a talk and book signing with a notable guest, Bill Usery. Mr. Usery will be speaking about his distinguished career as a labor activist, mediator, and public servant on the occasion of the release of his memoirs, Laboring for America. He will be signing copies of his book following the talk.

Born in 1923 in Baldwin County, Georgia, Mr. Usery started his career in labor activism when he joined the International Association of Machinists. After holding several positions in the IAM, he moved on to serve in high ranking positions in several Presidential administrations, most notably as Secretary of Labor under President Gerald Ford. As a noted mediator, he helped resolve several major labor disputes, including a public school teacher’s strike in Philadelphia, disputes between airline pilots and airlines such as TWA and United, and a threatened nationwide strike by the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen.

Looking for more information on Bill Usery before this afternoon? Check out the following resources:

• An interview with former Secretary Usery posted by the Department of Labor.
• The W.J. Usery, Jr. papers, held in Special Collections at the Georgia State University Library.
• A biography and timeline of Mr. Usery’s life and career, posted by the University Library.

Please join us for the important occasion at 4 p.m. in the upper level of the Law Library.