The Allis-Chalmers Workers Union, UAW Local 248, was once the largest union local in Wisconsin, at one point representing over 20,000 workers. The union played an important and historic leadership role in both the state and national labor movement, pioneering industrial unionism from the 1930's onward. A-C workers garnered national attention for defiantly standing up to a ruthless corporate giant, facing unprecedented violence and repression. Local 248 inspired workers across the country and helped organize unions at six A-C plants, Ford Motor Co, and others. There may be no greater example of genuine, effective trade unionism in Wisconsin history.

Local 248 utilized the strike weapon a dozen times in their 60+ year history, taking on a notorious corporate giant to win massive gains in wages, benefits, working conditions, and union security. In 1941 and 1946 thousands of striking workers faced down federal orders and violent repression. Hundreds of union members were jailed and leaders blacklisted, but the union would not be defeated.

For half a century Local 248 defended and expanded a strong contract, creating tens of thousands of family-supporting union jobs with high quality pay, benefits, job protections, paid time off, and pensions that lifted the entire region.

Equality for All - Local 248 was an early leader in the fight against racial and gender discrimination at work and the community, fighting for equal pay and job opportunities, supporting civil rights struggles, and promoting African Americans, women, and immigrant workers who were hired during WWII in the union’s leadership and robust steward structure, even at a time when the Allis-Chalmers workforce was predominantly white men.

Trade unionists are working to establish a permanent historical marker to honor some of Wisconsin's most significant labor struggles, led by the Allis-Chalmers Workers Union, UAW Local 248.

The campaign is spearheaded by members of the Milwaukee Area Labor Council in collaboration with retirees of UAW Local 248 and the Wisconsin Labor History Society.

The campaign has conducted extensive research on Local 248, and is developing resources for unions, educators, and historians to use to preserve and celebrate the history of the union and it's contributions to the labor movement.

Proposed location of the historical marker on 70th and Greenfield in West Allis, Wisconsin

How you and your union can support the project

• Sign up to the campaign email list with the link above to receive updates and get involved

• Invite us to give a short presentation on the historical significance of UAW Local 248 for your union or organization

• Read about Local 248's effective shop floor strategy here and apply the lessons in your workplace

• Make a donation to help maintain the historical marker and make educational resources on the union available for years to come
  
  

Historical Materials
The committee has collected extensive research and materials about UAW Local 248, including photos, union buttons, newsletters, articles, books, art, and music. Our goal is to make these resources widely available in the coming months and years.

Here are a few pinback buttons from UAW Local 248 and UAW-CIO: