Unionism

Unionism is the autobiographical work of Sooren Apkarian, a Detroit steelworker and union member. Sooren's first connection to unions was in the Merchant Marines, where he witnessed the ship's Purser trying to cheat workers out of their hard earned wages. A more experienced member of the Seafarers International Union who was working alongside the novice sailors spoke to defend their rights. In 1947 Sooren joined the Detroit Steel Corporation. His experience in the Merchant Marines led him to join the United Steelworkers of America; eventually becoming the President of the Local Union. In response to the company's efforts to shortchange its employees, Sooren turned the company on its head by filing hard hitting grievances, surprising the management who were used to grievances placed by inexperienced employees. This proved to Sooren that education was the key to Union progress. It took the Unions 25-35 years before they realized this and forced industry pay them more respect.