In the year 1973, Local 587 saw it's first strike. Although the contract, which took effect in January of 1972, wasn't up for renewal until January 1974, a raise for 1973 wasn't established.

As stated in the Agreement's Duration and Effect "Either party, by giving not less than sixty days' written notice to the other party, may reopen this Agreement on or after Feb. 28, 1973, for the purpose of negotiating only hourly wage rates and/or economic fringe benefits." When January 1973 came along the company offered the union a 5% raise.

 

Photographer Unknown

During the meeting that ensued, there was talk of accepting the 5%, and workers, feeling comfortable that it would go through, went back to work. After they left, however, the conversation heated up and the result was a strike vote. Now it was that some members were picketing outside while others were still working their shift.  Eventually everybody was notified of the strike, but the strike, which was poorly supported by the members went on for about six weeks before the members voted to go back for the 5% increase.

The important thing to remember here is that every vote counts!

One other thing to note is that the Nixon administration had an influence on raises nationwide and the company, used this to their advantage.

Photographer Unknown

Being the first strike, there were some problems encountered, such as the picket lines being formed on company property and the lack of sanitary facilities. At one point the State Police blocked off some lanes of traffic on West Main Rd. causing traffic to back up all the way to the Mount Hope Bridge. Fortunately, no one was injured and everybody eventually went back to work, although it did change the mood inside the plant for some time to come.

The President was Lucy R. Levada and Peter Maluk, Jr. was Vice President. William D. Boudreau, Jr. was Chief Steward with Shop Committee members Sally R. Baptista, Edward Ferreira and George Travers rounding out the Negotiating Committee. Sally Battista was Recording Secretary and Charles F. Souza was Secretary Treasurer.