Ironworkers History & Resources

Chapter 10

Safety, Organizing, and Economic Change (1973-1980)

The 1970s brought both opportunity and uncertainty for Ironworkers. Massive infrastructure needs, energy projects, and industrial development created new work opportunities, but economic instability, inflation, and growing competition challenged organized labor. Through it all, Ironworkers continued to adapt and defend the value of skilled union construction.

One of the defining themes of this era was safety. The establishment of OSHA created new expectations for jobsite protection, and the union became a leading voice for safer construction standards. Major accidents reminded the industry that protecting workers had to remain a top priority, while Ironworkers pushed for stronger regulations and enforcement.

Chapter 10 demonstrates how the union responded to changing economic conditions by investing in training, strengthening jurisdictional protections, and remaining active in public policy debates. Even during difficult times, Ironworkers continued to build the infrastructure that kept North America moving forward.

Recommended Books

  • Grand Expectations – James Patterson
  • The Age of Reagan – Steven Hayward
  • Working for Democracy – Paul Buhle
  • Blue Collar Blues – Paul Cowie
  • The Seventies – Bruce Schulman
  • High Steel – Jim Rasenberger

Videos

NameFull Link

How the Alaskan Oil Pipeline was Built | Modern Marvels		https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zIgGathgro
THE ALASKA PIPELINE PBS NOVA   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIL5PRohXZE
The Great Alaska Pipeline  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kzb2DkFiXKM

The Deadliest Accident in Construction: Willow Island		https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06moeVolGmI

The Crane System That Killed 51 Workers in 30 Seconds 		https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_fGZMR-0Ro

Twin Towers: A History – Documentary		https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mpb34aE4zWo

New York: A Documentary Film – World Trade Center		https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PnXZI5yQpk
Building The World Trade Center 1983  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z67IV07PvKU

The World Trade Center: Rise and Fall of an American Icon		https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpwnkbZ1V9k

Ironworker work film 1978 calgary 725		https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMZAKCB7czs

Francis Scott Key Bridge		https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mcMi1ob7WA&t=10s

Steel Spans the Chesapeake documentary		https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBclyl1ewdw&t=35s

Sites to Visit