United States 1973

Synopsis

After decades of using nationwide strikes as a collective bargaining tool, the United Steelworkers of America (USWA) in 1973 entered into an "Experimental Negotiating Agreement" with the major U.S. steel companies. Under this agreement, the union forfeited the right to strike nationwide in favor of binding arbitration. The steel companies on their part agreed to a yearly 3 percent wage increase and to end stockpiling products. This was the first time a key labor union and an entire industry agreed on their own to settle bargaining conflicts through arbitration. The agreement occurred at a time of growing foreign competition in the steel industry. Despite the perception of increased job security, some rank and file USWA members criticized the secrecy with which the agreement was enacted. The agreement preceded a major depression in the steel industry.

Timeline

• 1958: China's Mao Zedong proclaims the Great...