Chapter 9
New Frontiers and New Challenges (1960s-1972)
The 1960s and early 1970s marked a period of tremendous innovation and expansion for Ironworkers. As North America entered the Space Age, union members worked on some of the most advanced construction projects ever attempted, including nuclear power facilities, aerospace installations, major offshore structures, stadiums, observatories, and massive industrial projects. Ironworkers demonstrated that the skills developed on bridges and skyscrapers could be adapted to the most technologically demanding projects of the modern era.
This period also brought greater attention to jobsite safety. Construction remained one of the most dangerous industries in the world, and Ironworkers became strong advocates for improved safety standards and training. Their efforts contributed to landmark workplace protections and helped lay the groundwork for the creation of OSHA in 1970. At the same time, the union expanded apprenticeship opportunities and launched programs that brought new workers into the trade, including Native American training initiatives.
Chapter 9 is the story of a union embracing change while remaining committed to its core values. Whether helping support America’s space program, building modern energy infrastructure, or leading efforts to improve workplace safety, Ironworkers proved once again that their adaptability, professionalism, and solidarity could meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.
Recommended Books
- Apollo’s Builders – Alan Lawrie
- The Sixties – Terry H. Anderson
- Unsafe at Any Height (construction safety studies)
- Atomic America – Todd Tucker
- The Power Makers – Maury Klein
- High Steel – Jim Rasenberger
- Labor in America – Dubofsky & McCartin
- OSHA: Protecting America’s Workforce – Department of Labor history
- Skywalkers – David Weitzman
Sites to Visit
- Houston Astrodome, Houston TX
https://maps.google.com/?q=Houston+Astrodome - Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex, CA
https://maps.google.com/?q=Goldstone+Deep+Space+Communications+Complex - Kennedy Space Center, FL
https://maps.google.com/?q=Kennedy+Space+Center - Point Beach Nuclear Plant, WI
https://maps.google.com/?q=Point+Beach+Nuclear+Plant - Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station, NJ
https://maps.google.com/?q=Oyster+Creek+Nuclear+Plant - Union Oil Platform Heritage Area, Santa Barbara CA
https://maps.google.com/?q=Santa+Barbara+Offshore+Platforms
- OSHA Headquarters, Washington DC
https://maps.google.com/?q=OSHA+Washington+DC - AFL-CIO Headquarters
https://maps.google.com/?q=AFL-CIO+Headquarters
Videos
Ironworker’s Memorial Bridge – 19 Scarlet Roses | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHPchkZ2RMI |
Second Narrows Bridge Collapse June 17th 1958 Newsreel | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8lt2K718Ls |
The Sears Tower Documentary – Classic Science | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdnxqBcdGGU |
When Chicago built the Tallest Building in the World | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tm0dzhFeArw&t=152s |
MegaStructures – Willis Tower | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rm1GiS6Rjc |
| BUILDING THE HOUSTON ASTRODOME | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VHPi4ziB7E |
| The Astrodome | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwV1rXH34pk |
“The Big Challenge” — 1966 Documentary on Construction of Kennedy Space Center | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fZxZTJYM_U |
Ironworkers History & Resources 