The United Rubber, Cork, Linoleum and Plastic Workers (URW) union agrees to merge with the United Steelworkers of America (USWA). With the addition of the 94,000 URW union members, USWA grows to more than 700,000 strong. URA laborers become full members of the Steelworkers union and adopt its constitution and charter, as well as enjoy increased power and services. They'll also have access to the steelworkers' $166 million strike and defense fund, if they need it. URW members will participate fully in the USWA convention in September '96 and phase-in elections and dues by 2000. Will the United Auto Workers union be next to align with another union? Maybe, and it just could start with reunification with the Canadian Auto Workers, which left the UAW's fold during the '80s.
