Labor: Smelted

For years the huge (1,100,000 members) United Steelworkers of America (A.F.L.-C.I.O.) and the small (40,000) but noisy International Union of Mine, Mill and Smelter Workers (Independent) have been deadly enemies. The Mine, Mill and Smelter Workers Union goes back to the turn of the century and a 1905 hookup with the radical left's "Wobbly" movement and its leader, William ("Big Bill") Haywood. In 1917, Haywood jumped a $20,000 bond and fled to Russia rather than face charges of violating the Espionage Act. Half his ashes now rest in the Krem lin Wall, the other half in Chicago. As recently...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!