The Garrett County Roads Workers Strike of 1970 was the longest public worker strike in U.S. history.
Perhaps the most remarkable feature of its lasting legacy is that when it was over, it was over.
Snow fences needed to be installed. Plows needed to be ready for snow. A local union needed to be built. Negotiations needed to start. There was no time for bickering.
For many years, memories of the strike were buried. But 50 years later, men and women on both sides of the conflict want their stories to be told. Like Mark Twain said, “History doesn’t repeat itself — but it does rhyme.”
This Website is dedicated to the men and women on all sides who made history in 1970.
The Stories
“Garrett County (Md.) Road Workers Strike of 1970”
Originally published in The Glades Star, March 2020
“50 years later, marking a historic victory for a union in rural Maryland (COMMENTARY)”
Originally published in the Baltimore Sun, April 28, 2020
“Historical road marker planned for 1970 strike”
Originally published in The Garrett County Republican, Oct. 31, 2019
The Stories
“Garrett County (Md.) Road Workers Strike of 1970”
Originally published in The Glades Star, March 2020
“50 years later, marking a historic victory for a union in rural Maryland (COMMENTARY)”
Originally published in the Baltimore Sun, April 28, 2020
“Historical road marker planned for 1970 strike”
Originally published in The Garrett County Republican, Oct. 31, 2019
Personal Profiles
And Interviews
Ray Artice | Hollie Atwood | Janet and Tim Brant
Mabel Butler | Father Paul Byrnes | Don Colaw | Ernie & Butch Crofoot
Jim and Helen Fike | John Filsinger | Ernest Friend |
Allen S. “Dick” Paugh Sr. | Leo Rinker | Commr. John “Ross” Sines |
Photo Gallery
Photo Gallery
About the Project
Interviews with union members who participated in the roads strike and county residents, including Commissioner Ross Sines, began in early 2019. More than 80 individuals have been interviewed. Read more.
Historical Road Marker Dedication
On June 8, 2021, community members gathered for an official dedication of a road marker commemorating the strike and its lasting impact. Local media outlets covered the event. Read more.
Meet the Author
Len Shindel is a retired steelworker who worked at Bethlehem Steel’s Sparrows Point, Md. Plant for 30 years. He was an active member and an elected representative of the United Steelworkers of America Locals 2609. Read more.
Photos on this site are strictly for educational purposes and are used with permission from the official AFSCME Collection, Walter P. Reuther Library, Wayne State University, and the families of the Garrett County roads workers.