The USWA struck Tool and Engineering in November 1998, refusing the company's demands for more than $2 million in concessions, including pay cuts of at least $3 an hour for most workers. William Farley, the owner of Tool and Engineering, claimed he needed the concessions to stay competitive in the auto industry. Tool and Engineering makes prototype parts for major automobile manufacturers. Farley is a prominent Chicago businessman who was also CEO of Fruit of the Loom until the company went bankrupt.

The bosses hired scabs early in the strike and succeeded in pressuring some strikers to break ranks and cross the picket line. They also hired security cops who worked with the police to harass strikers and arrest pickets. Last year strikers organized rallies of 100 or more workers and supporters in front of the company. On several occasions, Tool and Engineering strikers joined picket lines of United Auto Workers on strike at Tazewell Machine Works in central Illinois; Lenc-Smith workers in Cicero, Illinois; Boilermakers on strike at Goose Island in Chicago; and Teamsters on strike at Overnite.

Strikers joined other protests around the city of Chicago, including a May farm workers support rally and a meeting of Jesse Jackson's Operation PUSH.

In October, strikers voted down a contract offer that was virtually identical to the bosses' initial proposals. However, a month later, by a vote of 23-22 they voted to make an offer to the bosses that modified somewhat most of the company's original demands.

Workers began returning to their jobs at the beginning of January. Some union members say they do not like the loss in pay and benefits. About one-quarter of the strikers did not go back to work at the company.

Farley and Tool and Engineering have been weakened economically by the strike. Fruit of the Loom shareholders are suing Farley for repayment of loans made to him during the strike. Workers feel that they played a part in bringing Farley down. Wynn said, "At least we showed him we could fight."

Beth Singer is a member of United Steelworkers of America Local 1011.  
 
 
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