October 1950

  • Union contract with Steinway & Sons comes up for negotiations, and Walter Drasche, the tone regulators’ union delegate, initiates a strike. After 3 weeks of stand-off, the union wins. The new contract includes a general pay increase by 10 cents an hour, 10 paid holidays per year, and a pension plan. To apply for the pension, a worker must be 70 years old, and have worked for Steinway & Sons no less than 35 years. The pension plan will require additional negotiations that will continue for the next two years. Walter Drasche becomes one of the trustees of the pension plan board.
  • Recognizing Walter Drasche’s leadership qualities, Henry Z. Steinway promotes him to the position of a foreman in the action department. Eventually Walter Drashe will join Steinway & Sons management.