Forged in Fire: The Story of the United Steelworkers Union

This history starts in pre-union times of the steel industry – the late 1800s. It follows the struggles of those working in the steel industry to organize a union. In the beginning there was violence as steel companies fought attempts to unionize. It reached its height in 1937 with 10 dead at the Memorial Day Massacre in Chicago. Later the union had to fend off attacks from the government to restrict union activity.

The union also had its internal disputes. Rank and file members had to fight for union democracy against entrenched union leaders. One of the hardest fights was when Ed Sadlowski from Chicago ran for International President in 1977. Through it all the Steelworkers Union raised the standard of living of millions.