Tales from the Reuther Library

Oil Can Eddie and the Battle for the Steelworkers’ Union


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Roger Biles and Mark Rose discuss the legacy of Eddie Sadlowski, a charismatic and progressive Chicago steelworker who, unhappy with the United Steelworker of America’s closed-rank authoritarian leadership and tepid support for rank-and-file members, led a highly visible yet unsuccessful dissident campaign in the contentious election for the USWA’s presidency in 1977.

Dr. Biles is a Professor Emeritus of history at Illinois State University. Dr. Rose is a professor of history at Florida Atlantic University. Their article, “’Oil Can Eddie’ and the Battle for the Steelworkers’ Union,” was published in the Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society.

Related Resources:

“’Oil Can Eddie’ and the Battle for the Steelworkers’ Union”

Related Collections:

Edward Sadlowski Papers (LP000754)

Episode Credits

Interviewee: Roger Biles and Mark Rose
Producers: Dan Golodner and Troy Eller English
Music: Bart Bealmear

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Tales from the Reuther LibraryBy Walter P. Reuther Library, Wayne State University

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