One of my Grandfathers worked for US Steel and retired, my father also, but they closed, he went to Bethlehem, got laid off then went to Pepsi by the 80's (also union).
Grandpa was in The Pacific.
US Steel Union contracts 1937-1968.
In 1963 he was making $2.10-3.99 an hour (min wage was $1.25). Healthcare 365 days paid stay, retirement at 60 for 67% with 15 years (100% at 65), 13 weeks vacation, other stuff.
In 1965 they asked for 28 cents more an hour, and 10% more workers to be covered, 32 hour work week every 4th week, double time for overtime, double retirement benefits, and a year of extra unemployment (they supplemented on top of state benefits).
US Steel Union contracts 1980.
$7.39-13.05/hr
Let's just stop right here. In 1980 with benefits, yadda yadda, up to $26k/yr for a middle class job.
If someone can tell me I misread these stats, I would appreciate it.