Abel, I. W. (1908-1987), served as president of the United Steelworkers of America—now called the United Steelworkers (USW)—from 1965 to 1977. The USW is one of the largest labor unions in the United States. In 1973, Abel’s union and the major steel companies agreed on new collective bargaining procedures for the 1974 contract negotiations. The procedures were designed to provide basic benefits and rights for steelworkers and eliminate the possibility of nationwide strikes.
Iorwith Wilbur Abel was born on Aug. 11, 1908, in Magnolia, Ohio. At the age of 17, he went to work as a steelworker in nearby Canton. In the mid-1930’s, Abel helped found the steelworkers’ union. From 1942 to 1952, he served as the union’s district director for the Canton area. Abel became secretary-treasurer of the USWA in 1953. He died on Aug. 10, 1987.
