The first faculty union at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) AFL-CIO, was established largely in response to the administration's reluctance to recommend raises in faculty salaries (1958-1964) and due to the faculty's desire for self-governance. The union was short-lived on the campus, but served to raise the consciousness of faculty to issues of faculty autonomy. AFT agitation helped bring about the "Green Book", the Morris Document, and the "Red Book" - basic documents defining the system of faculty governance at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

The collection includes historical sketches, memoranda, correspondence, resolutions, and treasurer's reports.