Dean, H E 1973-06-29

Ed Dean, former secretary of West Texas Agriculture Employers Group, explains that organization’s function in relation to the bracero farm labor program. He discusses wage rates for the bracero, expresses attitudes toward organized labor, examines factors in U.S.-Mexican negotiations and recalls incidents in the history of the bracero program.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: H. E. "Ed" Dean

Additional Parties Recorded:

Date: June 29, 1973

Location: Lubbock, Texas

Interviewer: jeff Townsend

Length: 1 hour, 45 minutes

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Brief review of personal history, Ginning machinery for "long staple" cotton described, Notes early use of Mexican farm labor, Effects and purpose of PL78 discussed, Changes in implementation of PL78 explained, Origin of West Texas Agricultural Employers Group (WTAEG), Operation of WTAEG examined, States attitude of farmers concerning continuing the bracero program, Discussion of the National Farm Labor Users Committee, Operations and goals of WTAEG explored

Tape 1, Side 2: Labor Department's authority in implementation of PL78 cited, Regulations and operations reviewed, Discussion of certification, Texas Employment Districts and border problems recalled, "Adverse effect" claims denied, Gives reasons for farmers' decline of interest in the bracero program, Comments on relationship between Eastern New Mexico and West Texas, Migrant Labor Committee discussed, Mentions role of Catholic church, Effects of ending PL78 examined, Lists reasons for farm strikes in California

Tape 2, Side 1: Farm labor wage scale discussed, Recalls destruction of "piece rate" method by "adverse effect", Points in U.S.-Mexican negotiations reviewed, Definition of "specials", Worked-employee relationships mentioned, Method of recruitment examined, Attitudes of Mexican-Americans toward bracero program, Notes effects of bracero program on Mexican-American workers, Opinions on organized labor given, Pro-union state laws cited, Reviews responsibilities of employers and associations, Explanation of WTAEC's stand on a labor issue, Discussion of Labor Department complaints, Lubbock boycott incident recalled

Tape 2, Side 2: Boycott incident discussion (continued), Anti-Communist aspects of U.S.-Mexican negotiations, Review of incidents, Expresses attitudes toward the Mexican-American "crew leader", Instituted training program for domestic workers, Relationship of Dallas labor office to farm labor organizations, Profits of associations discussed, Relations with Texas Employment Commission, Comments on attitudes of Labor Department officials

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