A group of men raise their fists in celebration. The hold a sign in Spanish reading, "Union, Yes!"

American Racing Equipment workers celebrate election victory

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. Photo by Mary Ann Stuehrmann for the AFL-CIO News, January 21, 1991.