1992 1 Oz Fort RAC United Steelworkers Round BU

The labor dispute between Ravenswood Aluminum Corporation and the United Steel Workers Association is one of the most well-known labor disputes of the 20th century. It lasted from November 1990 through June 29, 1992. The lockout/strike disrupted the town of Ravenswood for the better part of 2 years. Both sides blamed the other for the work stoppage, although circumstantial evidence leans more towards the company intentionally causing the stoppage. Eventually, negotiations resumed in April 1992 and the workers returned to the plant in July. This round celebrates the Union's campaign against the company. The mint and mintage of the round is unknown, but it is seldom seen.

Obverse: The obverse features a picket line of strikers carrying a banner that reads "ONE DAY LONGER WITH SOLIDARITY". The words "LOCAL UNION 5668 USWA" honor the local steelworkers' union affected by the lockout. An upper inscription states "THE BATTLE OF FORT RAC" while the lower one bears the dates "NOVEMBER 1, 1990 - JUNE 29, 1992".

Reverse: The central feature on the reverse is the logo of the United Steelworkers of America. It contains an inner circle depicting a worker standing in front of the letters "USA", the original acronym for the United Steelworkers of America. The text "ESTABLISHED MAY 22, 1942" appears over the letters. The outer circle bears the name of the organization "UNITED STEELWORKERS OF AMERICA". The bottom inscription reads "AFL-CIO-CLC". Hash marks decorate the outer rim.