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The Allis-Chalmers Workers Union - UAW Local 248

Side 1:
In its heyday, nearly every family in West Allis had someone who worked at the Allis-Chalmers Corp. (A-C) and who belonged to UAW Local 248. Formed in 1901, A-C was the largest private employer in Wisconsin in the mid-20th century, manufacturing agricultural, electrical, construction, and industrial equipment. A-C workers were represented by United Auto Workers Local 248, once the largest union in the state. Representing as many as 20,000 workers during WWII, Local 248 exemplified militant unionism, focusing on shop floor organizing to improve wages, benefits, working conditions, and progress against racial and gender discrimination. A 1941 strike saw fierce clashes between police and workers on 70th street, just north of here. After 76 days of struggle, the union won a settlement with major gains for A-C workers.

Side 2:
The success of UAW Local 248 helped make West Allis a healthy, middle class community. The Union’s gains set precedents for workers at other A-C plants across the country, cementing high standards and pensions for tens of thousands. But the Union faced backlash from corporate interests. In 1947, A-C executives petitioned Congress to roll back union rights and jail union leaders. The company later shifted operations out of state, prioritizing short-term profits over the need to modernize its once-productive facility. The tractor division closed in 1985 and other closures followed, but Local 248 fought until the bitter end to defend the family-supporting jobs that once built this community. The Union’s innovative tactics and unlikely victories over a corporate giant are still studied by new generations of trade unionists.