One Day Longer: A Memoir

by Lynn R. Williams

Overview

Lynn Williams remains one of the most influential North American union leaders of the twentieth century. His two terms as president of the United Steelworkers of America, from 1983 until 1994, capped off a career in labor relations spanning nearly five decades. Among his many notable achievements, Williams developed new bargaining techniques to face challenges from antiunion politicians such as Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher. He also played a major role in the structural readjustment of the North American steel industry during its most turbulent period, the 1980s and 1990s.

In his memoir, Williams vividly recounts his life in labor, with all its triumphs, challenges, hopes, and dreams. While telling his own story, Williams also traces the rise and transformation of the labor movement from World War II to today. Providing an insider's perspective on union developments and issues, One Day Longer is a profound reflection of Williams's impressive career.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780801450679
Publisher:	Cornell University Press
Publication date:	07/21/2011
Pages:	336
Product dimensions:	6.30(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.20(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Lynn Williams is president emeritus of United Steelworkers.

Table of Contents

Foreword vii

Preface ix

Abbreviations xiii

1 In the Beginning 3

2 War and Peace 17

3 The Eaton Drive 29

4 Joining the Steelworkers 49

5 Back East 66

6 Organizing 83

7 Sudbury 111

8 Director, District 6 125

9 On to Pittsburgh 147

10 Assuming the Presidency 189

11 Trying Times 206

12 Union Work and Politics 226

13 New Directions 241

Epilogue 264

Appendices 273

Index 301

Illustrations follow page 146

What People are Saying About This

Thomas A. Kochan

"Those of us privileged to work with and develop lasting friendships with Lynn Williams have long awaited this memoir. His vision, values, wisdom, and dedication to giving voice to working people continue to inspire us to keep fighting for what is right and just in society. I intend to give this book to as many young people as I can in hope of inspiring them to follow in Lynn's footsteps. Nothing would be a more fitting legacy of this remarkable leader."

Jack Layton

‘As Canada’s first elected president of a major international union, Lynn Williams has been an icon in the fight for workers’ rights. I love his stories and have learned so much from his teachings. Finally, they’re in a book everyone can read.’

Leo Gerard

"Lynn Williams's ability to bring about change is marvelous, and his determination inspirational. His great success as president of the United Steelworkers of America can be attributed to his drive, his sincerity, his intellect, and especially his ability to relate to people. It didn't matter whether you were a captain of industry, a brand-new union member, or President of the United States: Lynn could relate to everyone and build support for their ideas."

Nancy Pelosi

‘With unflagging perseverance, Lynn Williams guided the North American labor movement through one of its most turbulent, difficult decades. His remarkable leadership enabled unions to adapt to a changing industrial landscape, fight for economic justice, and stand up to politicians hostile to their cause. Now more than ever before, it is important that the next generation of workers and leaders learn from Williams's distinguished example.’

Marick Masters

"Lynn Williams's memoir, One Day Longer, is a story not only about himself but about the contemporary labor movement. It is about struggling against great odds to improve the lot of millions of working people who are otherwise left behind the march of progress. Lynn Williams has devoted his life to uplifting others through building a social, political, and economic fabric that was aimed at treating people with dignity. Labor advocates today can learn much from the lessons of compassion and tenacity embodied in his life story."

Editorial Reviews

"Lynn Williams's ability to bring about change is marvelous, and his determination inspirational. His great success as president of the United Steelworkers of America can be attributed to his drive, his sincerity, his intellect, and especially his ability to relate to people. It didn't matter whether you were a captain of industry, a brand-new union member, or President of the United States: Lynn could relate to everyone and build support for their ideas."—Leo Gerard, international president, United Steelworkers

"Those of us privileged to work with and develop lasting friendships with Lynn Williams have long awaited this memoir. His vision, values, wisdom, and dedication to giving voice to working people continue to inspire us to keep fighting for what is right and just in society. I intend to give this book to as many young people as I can in hope of inspiring them to follow in Lynn's footsteps. Nothing would be a more fitting legacy of this remarkable leader."—Thomas A. Kochan, George M. Bunker Professor, MIT Sloan School of Management

"Lynn Williams's memoir, One Day Longer, is a story not only about himself but about the contemporary labor movement. It is about struggling against great odds to improve the lot of millions of working people who are otherwise left behind the march of progress. Lynn Williams has devoted his life to uplifting others through building a social, political, and economic fabric that was aimed at treating people with dignity. Labor advocates today can learn much from the lessons of compassion and tenacity embodied in his life story."—Marick Masters, Director, Labor@Wayne, Wayne State University

From the Publisher