International Association of Siderographers merges with International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers - 1992

Coopers International Union of North America merged with Glass, Molders, Pottery, Plastics & Allied Workers Int'l Union - 1992

The North American Free Trade Agreement—NAFTA— was concluded between the United States, Canada and Mexico, despite protests from labor, environmental and human rights groups. It went into effect in January, 1994 - 1992

The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) took effect today. It requires employers to offer reasonable accommodations to qualified disabled employees and bans discrimination against such workers - 1992

Players begin the first strike in the 75-year history of the National Hockey League. They win major improvements in the free agency system and other areas of conflict, and end the walkout after 10 days - 1992

Unions at Yale University strike in solidarity with teaching assistants - 1992

General Motors announces it is closing 21 North American plants over the following four years and slashing tens of thousands of jobs - 1991

Pattern Makers League of North America merges with International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers - 1991

What many believe was to become the longest strike in U.S. history, 600 Teamster-represented workers walk out at the Diamond Walnut processing plant in Stockton, Calif., after the company refused to restore a 30 percent pay cut they had earlier taken to help out the company. The two sides ultimately agreed to a new contract after 14 years - 1991

Twenty-five workers die, unable to escape a fire at the Imperial Poultry processing plant in Hamlet, NC. Managers had locked fire doors to prevent the theft of chicken nuggets. The plant had operated for 11 years without a single safety inspection - 1991

325,000 unionists gathered in Washington, D.C. for a Solidarity Day march and rally for workplace fairness and healthcare reform - 1991

The U.S. minimum wage increases to $4.25 per hour - 1991