Cat Purrs

End of the longest strike

The beaming workers pouring through the gates at Caterpillar Tractor's East Peoria plant were obviously happy to be back on the job after the longest company-wide strike in United Auto Workers history. But they were not a bit pleased about what the walkout had cost them. Art Borowiec, 43, an electrician, figures he lost nearly $20,000 in wages and benefits during the 205-day strike, and like many of his coworkers, he doubts that the results were worth it. Says he: "I've never been so broke, desperate or dependent. I'd...