Research

Scope and Content Note

This series contains grand jury, court, and testimony transcripts and financial records concerning the investigation and prosecution of Robert P. Brindell and other members of the Building Trades Council (BTC) of Greater New York City. The committee, known as the "Lockwood Committee" for chairman Charles C. Lockwood, collected these materials as part of its investigation into conspiracies and trusts within the housing industry.

This series includes the BTC's subpoenaed financial records (including checkbooks and ledgers) revealing that Brindell, the BTC's president, arbitrarily set prices and distributed contracts among those working in conjunction with his oligopolistic scheme. Trial transcripts include those of Brindell and other officers of the Council who were tried for price-fixing and restraint of trade. Testimony from victims of Brindell's practices is also found.

Testimony by Samuel Gompers detailing the Council's relationship with the American Federation of Labor is included in this series. Gompers also testifies about the philosophy behind the AFL and explains some practices of the organization such as apprenticeships and limited memberships. He attacks the judicial system's attitude toward labor and chastises the courts and legal profession. In defending organized labor's right to exist, Gompers also reveals some committee members' anti-labor attitude.

Grand jury hearing transcripts found in this series are restricted.