In July 1990, 900 immigrant workers the American Racing Equipment wheel factory in Los Angeles walked off the job in a wildcat strike. A few months later they voted overwhelmingly to be represented by the International Association of Machinists (IAM), and quickly negotiated a first contract. Workers were led by Macario Camorlinga, who had been a steelworker union activist in his native Mexico, and by other workers from Mexico and Central America with political and union organizing experience.