The History of Local 1064 - The United Steel Workers Association
By Frank Smith July 4, 1985

The signing of a contract, an objective no less urgent, came three years later – The company dragging its feet and screaming all the way to the table. This particular contract, hardly a world shaker, was nevertheless a first and, as such, opened up the way to better things as indeed, proved to be the case.
No sermon intended, but it might be a very instructive experience if some of the present generation of steelworkers were to take the time to compare conditions under that contract with those that have followed since – The more so because of the danger unions are in these days of losing it all.
Nothing came easy – All had to be fought for and unity, more unity and again unity was ever the key to victory.
Finally, a word concerning the contribution of local 1064 to the community in which it has played so considerable a part for just under a half century. I think it can be confidently stated that its record of service is second to none, not only to its immediate membership but also to the labor movement and the community in general.
What it has meant to the Steelworkers and their families is convincingly attested to by the steady and ongoing progress registered in the various contracts negotiated over the years. Though the eight hour day was introduced by the company on its own initiative, no one doubts the move was the result of company awareness that the union train was just around the corner and rounding it uncomfortable fast. All significant later developments, the 40 hour week; reasonable was scales; seniority clauses; grievance procedure; decent and safe working conditions; pensions; vacations; holidays; - These evolved through the union. One of the great results of all this was that relations between men and management to say nothing of relations among the men themselves, became more human.
Local 1064 can be proud too, of the contribution of its delegates to the effectiveness of the various labor bodies with which it has been traditionally affiliated – The Cape Breton District and Labor Council, The Nova Scotia Federation of Labor and the Canadian Labor of Congress.
Especially noteworthy is the moral and financial support it has unfailingly rendered to the smaller unions in the area when these were in trouble.
On the community level it has supported local education through a number of scholarships, donated its hall to the Red Cross on a regular basis for its blood donor clinics, supported many local sports activities and cultural events along with support of a number of charitable organizations.
And now, new times, new issues, not the least of which are growing unemployment and threats of universal nuclear destruction. Given a return to the spirit of the founding days, local 1064 can still be in the forefront of the fight that the new times call for.