Agents of Order

Philip L. Garza
Llumina Press (2008)
ISBN 9781605940632
Reviewed By Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (9/08)

“Agents of Order” is one man’s story of the United Auto Workers Union and their dealings with the International Harvester Company.  Phillip L. Garza gives the reader a behind the scenes look at UAW Local 1304 and the International Harvester plant in Moline, Illinois. 

Garza introduces the history of the assembly line and mass production in industrial America. No thought was given, by these industrial giants to the realities of the human needs and frailties of the laborer. Arbitrary decisions made by foremen often left the workers insecure in their jobs. Safety, injury and sickness also lurked as a sudden end to employability. These injustices and the ruthlessness of management opened the way for the radical idea of unionizing. By the mid-1930s workers were organizing. Destructive acts in industrial plants, and work stoppages were commonplace, as were being followed by wildcat strikes.  

Garza was employed by the International Harvester Company while still a teenager. This entry into the workplace enables Phillip to capture and articulate the sense of anger and injustice felt by the worker. He personally has seen their plight through his own eyes and understands the reality of working in the trenches.

After returning to his job at IHC after serving three years in the Marines, Philip became involved in union activities.  He took his many roles and responsibilities representing the members of local 1304 seriously. He learned the contractual language, handled grievances and served as safety committeeman chairman and as the insurance representative.  In 1973 Philip Garza was elected President of Local 1304 UAW. In this role he became directly involved in the negotiations between the Agricultural Implement division of the United Auto Workers Union and the International Harvester Company.

Acting as recording secretary for this event gave him the background material for this book. He has included amazing details from those negotiations, including: conversations, agendas, proposals, differences of opinions, and the final settlement.

Philip relates how the settlement of the 1973 negotiations impacted the direction of future benefits of seniority, personal dignity, job security, vacations, holidays, pensions, and lifetime medical coverage
I personally, never knew of the scope of the shop floor complications that develop on a regular basis, nor of the dedication required by shop stewards, the grievances committees, and others. Too often my concept is distorted because of the negative impact of the disturbances, and outside agitators often publicized in the media.

As well has highlighting his own career and accomplishments, Philip turns the spotlight on “People worth knowing”-- fellow workers, plant managers, union representatives and company industrial relations managers all had a part in making Phil’s career an important contribution to so many. Phil retired in January of 2001 after 52 years with IHC.

Philip L. Garza has articulated a strong argument for the need for “Agents of Order” to balance the excesses of the Unions with the excesses of Corporate America.  The history of the rise and fall of the International Harvester Company illustrates the problems created by outsourcing taking place in industry today. “Agents of Order” is an important book for those involved in Industrial Relations, Human Resources, and every level of management in American industry.

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