In Detroit auto plants in the 1960s and 70s, relatively high payment went hand in hand with exploitation and frequent injury. The United Auto Workers union served to discipline workers and water down demands on management. In response, workers undertook direct action and other rebellion to reclaim control over the shop floor and their lives. "Be His Payment High or Low" details these developments. Its author, Martin Glaberman, was an autoworker and chronicaler of strikes and independent worker activity.