The 1986–1990 Colt Firearms strike in Hartford, Connecticut, was a landmark four-year labor dispute where 1,000+ UAW region 9a, Local 376 members fought for safe work, better wages and against unfair labor practices

It is considered one of the longest strikes in U.S. history, ending in a victory for workers with a buyout, back pay, and partial company ownership. shoeleatherhistoryproject.com +3

Key Details of the Colt Strike:

• Duration: January 24, 1986 – March 22, 1990.
• Cause: Workers walked off the job after 10 months without a contract, protesting low wages, poor treatment, and attempts to break the union.
• Key Issues: The company, at the time, was attempting to cut costs, leading to a decline in product quality while using replacement workers.
• Outcome: The strike concluded with a major victory for the union, including $13 million in back pay, 13% wage increases, and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) giving workers 11.5% ownership.
• Impact: The strike significantly altered the lives of participants and is studied as a case of successful, long-term collective action. 

The strike included a widespread boycott of Colt products and strong community support, eventually forcing a change in management and ownership structure.