Chapter 11
Competition, Organizing, and Renewal (1981-1995)
The 1980s and early 1990s tested the resolve of Ironworkers across North America. Global competition, rising steel imports, open-shop campaigns, and economic recessions placed immense pressure on both union contractors and workers. Yet despite these challenges, Ironworkers remained committed to organizing, training, and protecting market share.
This era witnessed some of the most impressive construction projects of the late twentieth century, including the restoration of the Statue of Liberty, major bridge rehabilitation work, airport expansions, offshore oil developments, and iconic commercial structures. At the same time, the union expanded apprenticeship training, certification programs, and political action efforts to better compete in a changing industry.
Chapter 11 is ultimately a story of perseverance. Faced with powerful economic forces and increasing nonunion competition, Ironworkers chose innovation over retreat. Their dedication to organizing, safety, and professionalism helped position the union for growth as it approached its second century of existence.
Recommended Books
- The Big Squeeze – Steven Greenhouse
- Rivethead – Ben Hamper
- The Reckoning – David Halberstam
- The Fall of the House of Labor – Nelson Lichtenstein
- Labor’s Untold Story
- High Steel
Sites to Visit
- Statue of Liberty, NY
https://maps.google.com/?q=Statue+of+Liberty - Wheeling Suspension Bridge, WV
https://maps.google.com/?q=Wheeling+Suspension+Bridge - Denver International Airport, CO
https://maps.google.com/?q=Denver+International+Airport - Hibernia Platform Exhibit, Newfoundland
https://maps.google.com/?q=Hibernia+Newfoundland - Tappan Zee / Mario Cuomo Bridge Corridor, NY
https://maps.google.com/?q=Mario+M+Cuomo+Bridge - Solidarity Day Memorial Areas, Washington DC
https://maps.google.com/?q=Washington+Monument - Walter Reuther Library, Detroit
https://maps.google.com/?q=Walter+Reuther+Library
Videos
| The Wheeling Suspension Bridge – WV PBS Documentary | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebK0Ixkd1f4 |
Built To Last – Wheeling Suspension Bridge | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psy4MCx7YtU |
| Solidarity Day,” 1981 | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVJWV00TBmM |
| A Time of Challenge,” 1981 | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H79oW2O5y3s |
L’Ambiance Plaza Building Collapse Press Conference 1987 | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dAvz9JM2fA |
| Connecticut’s $17.5M Tower COLLAPSES During Construction | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94WU4GeUeYM |
MGM Grand Fire of 1980 Las Vegas’ Deadliest Disaster | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2X_TVvgobc |
| The Disaster Las Vegas Wants to Forget | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Knkd95OW9z0 |
MGM Grand fire | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHhI7kUXln4 |
Ironworkers History & Resources 