The Dow Chemical Collection - Union Strike (1972)

Duration: 0:16:16

Year Published: 1972

Format: 16mm

Sound: silent

Description: Amid growing tensions about the practice of contracting out repairs to nonunion laborers at the Dow Chemical Texas Plant in Freeport, 1,800 organized craft workers walked off the job on June 22, 1972, launching a bitter four-month strike. News sources reported numerous incidents on the picket lines, such as the use of firecrackers, the injury of a female picketer, and the destruction of Dow property. As a result of these events, an injunction was approved on August 7 to establish ground rules for both sides of the strike. Some of the terms pertain to actions seen in the film, including stipulations against mass picketing as well as the obstruction of entrances to and public roads near the Dow plants. The strike finally ended on September 17, after Dow agreed to contract out no more than 25 percent of its maintenance work. The company also granted hourly wage increases and insurance programs.