History

The Armco Employees Independent Federation (AEIF) was incorporated on January 26th, 1943. The AEIF won the right of representation against United Steel Workers, CIO in an election on March 31st, 1944, and was officially certified on July 15th, 1944.
As negotiations broke down, the 4,200 AEIF members overwhelmingly voted to strike the Armco Middletown Works facility. Armco undermined the potential strike by Locking Out the AEIF members. The Lockout lasted 6 days before a deal was reached.
On March 1st, 2006, AK Steel (formerly Armco) Locked Out over 2,600 AEIF members. Several months in, members of the AEIF voted to be represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW). The local maintained its history by choosing 1943 for the local number. The Lockout would go on to last just over a year, making it one of the longest ongoing labor disputes in the US at the time.
On April 21st, 2010, around 40 Operators, Lab Techs, and Maintenance Mechanics voted to be represented by IAM Local Lodge 1943.
On January 15th, 2015, around 30 Diesel Mechanics and Parts Specialist voted to be represented by IAM Local Lodge 1943.