Battle of Local 5668 September, 1990. The potroom at the Ravenswood Aluminum Plant was topping 180 degrees. This was the most dangerous job in the plant. 39 year old Jimmy Rider was one of the union members who worked there, but not for long. How did he die? The members of Local 5668 will say its because of Emmett Boyle.
Boyle was the new plant president, and he appeared to have a score to settle with the union members. His new management would attempt to run the plant harder, faster and with less people. Jack Collins wouldn't stand for it and would picket the concessions. Collins had the union behind him. Boyle fired Collins, claiming he was practicing unsafe work stoppages. As Collins packed his bags to exit the plant, armed guards stood by waiting to escort him out the front gates. A gang of workers began packing their own bags. They were going to follow Collins out in show of support. Collins forced them to stay and avoid a wildcat strike situation.
The deadline for a new contract was midnight, and the plant management refused to discuss safety with the union members. Meanwhile, union leaders instructed third shift to report to work under the terms of the previous contract. 23 minutes into third shift the union members were rounded up inside the plant and forced to exit the plant gates, which were locked behind them.
With the help of the international union and workers worldwide, they would mount a campaign of boycotts and pressure that would shake the plant's foundation. The union would go head to head with the management that tried to starve them and an elusive international fugitive who owned the plant. The events in The Battle of Local 5668 would change the way that unions work with management. Is it time for a new revolt? Ask the members of Local 5668. Watch Battle of Local 5668 on Indiepix Films online now.
The Battle of Local 5668 is an in depth, straight journalistic account told by the men and women who were directly involved in the dispute. Even with 10 years reflection, the passion and tenacity of the steelworkers in the small town of Ranvenswood, West Virginia still shocks and amazes.
