In 1990, a major labor dispute began at Ravenswood Aluminum (Jackson County) when contract talks failed and workers were locked out of their jobs. The union, Local 5668 of the United Steelworkers, said the company refused to address safety concerns—especially after the deaths of four workers that summer. The company, under new ownership, wanted to cut costs and wouldn’t compromise.

The fight lasted nearly two years, from October 1990 to June 1992, and caused deep divisions in the community. The company brought in replacement workers, which the union called illegal. The union kept up the pressure with protests, support groups, and even international campaigns, targeting one of the plant’s owners, Marc Rich, who was wanted by the U.S. government.

In April 1992, with a ruling from federal labor officials on the way, both sides finally reached an agreement. The workers went back to their jobs.