As one of those locked out at Staley in Decatur, Illinois, in a four-year battle for a contract, I spoke at the union meeting where the vote was taken about the importance of that struggle for all working people. The majority of the guys wanted to make some changes, and since the owner talked about shutting the plant down, they felt they had nothing to lose, and they might as well go out.
I don't think the company or the union leadership expected us to strike. The company sent IAM members several letters urging us to go back to work. In one letter they stated how shocked they were that we'd strike, and was assured the union leadership would not recommend a strike.
But as the strike went on, certain factors dampened the morale; mainly the union's lack of organizing. Into the second week of the strike, the company lowered its offer. The new proposal was lowered to a 36-cent across-the-board increase each year of the contract. The company told the union leadership they would be bringing in scabs, and hire them on a permanent basis. Another meeting was called and the new proposals were voted in by 37-15.
Some people, including myself, were against the new proposal and wanted to continue to fight. But there was very little discussion at the union meeting. I don't think the union leadership wanted to lead a fight, and not enough leadership stepped forward. So the members voted to go back by 37-15.
For the short while on the picket line, we had some interesting discussions. Some of the guys I talked to felt they were worth more than the 3 percent increase offered. And they felt the time had come to take a stand.
Many discussions about the lessons of the strike are still taking place. Some felt it was a waste to even go out. Yet others, including myself, feel if we had just held out a little while longer, we could have gotten a better proposal. Hopefully, over the next three years of this contract, those who want to fight will increase, and we can learn from this experience.
Frankie Travis
IAM Local 1345
St. Louis, Missouri