In 1987 contract negotiations, IP proposed reducing salaries by eliminating double pay for mandatory Sundays and holidays, and other new work rules that reduced numbers in the workforce. IP did not offer the union any incentive to accept the contract. After losing market shares several years earlier, IP argued that the international market was highly competitive, and the move was necessary for its future growth. Jay strikers organized massive events during the resulting strike.
Beginning in June 1987 and continuing for 60 weeks, workers walked the picket lines and roughly 1,000 community members routinely attended Wednesday organizing meetings. The union canvassed door-to-door and sponsored rallies around New England to build awareness and support. As depicted in this panel, striking workers ended each weekly meeting by joining raised hands and singing union songs.
