As soon as the Catholics started to realize the promised concessions, the 1697 union gained strength.

Under the new agreement, the union gained a higher maximum pension after 20 years, rising to $1,000 a month from $850.

The union gained, however, in other aspects of the retirement package.

Following the strike-wave, the union gained official recognition from many shipowners.

Over the last year, unions gained 265,000 members.

By 1975, at the end of his first four-year term as president, the union had gained 100,000 members.

But the players' union was gaining strength in its fight with owners, and piece by piece, the A's crumbled.

Customer confidence was falling rapidly and unions were gaining upper hand.

The unions had gained power in the political arena and clout in the labour world.

If the union gains a mandate, it then needs to give 7 days notice of any strike action.