Workers at Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel went on strike for 10 months starting on October 1, 1996, making it the longest steel strike in U.S. history to date. About 4,500 workers from eight plants in three states walked out to fight for better pensions. The company had changed pension plans after coming out of bankruptcy in 1989. After the company became successful again, workers wanted a better deal.

Talks between the union and company were difficult and made little progress, even with help from federal mediators and U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller. Finally, in August 1997, both sides agreed to a new contract.

Workers won higher pensions and the right to retire at age 55 with 30 years of service. The company reduced its workforce by about 850 jobs, mostly through people retiring or leaving on their own. Nearly 80% of workers voted to accept the new deal.