The Nation - News from June 1, 1986

Two unions representing 15,000 Alcoa workers in 10 states went on strike, but 10,000 Reynolds employees would continue to work despite the expiration of their contract, labor officials said. Alcoa was selected because of “their belligerent attitude during negotiations, and the fact that they are the major company in the industry,” United Steelworkers of America spokesman Bob Moffett said shortly after the contracts expired at midnight. Ernie La Baff, president of the Aluminum, Brick and Glass Workers International, said unionized employees at Reynolds Metals Co. would continue to work without a contract. Negotiations began in Atlanta in early May.