June 2, 1986 - On this cover story of MPR Journal, a look at possible end of the nine month Hormel strike in Austin, Minnesota. MPR reporter Mike Mulcahy provides details of Federal District Court Judge Edward Devitt’s injunction on United Food and Commercial Workers Union local P-9, effectively ending strike. Even with court decision, some strikers are determined to continue fight against Hormel officials.
April 11, 1986 - MPR Journal’s Gary Eichten catches up with MPR reporter Mike Mulcahy on the status at Austin Hormel plant after a day of brief violence between strikers and police. A demonstration blocking the road to plant devolved into a conflict between strikers, workers, and local police.
January 23, 1986 - Confirmation from Mower Co. Sheriff Wayne Goodnature that six arrests were made this morning at Hormel plant. 25 cars were stopped and locked and not running on east and west exit ramps. Mulcahey phoner.
January 23, 1986 - Hormel officials and striking workers will meet with factfinder. Mulcahy debrief with Doug ..... A bit more quiet than yesterday. Guard is still guarding the north gate where workers will be crossing picket line. Last night at union meeting members asked to be nonviolent, stay in cars and not congregate behind police lines. Perpich reputation among union, union may sue. Factfinder to look at mediator's final proposal.
January 20, 1986 - Mike Mulcahy talks about Perpich's decision. Paul Tschida, Public Safety Commissioner, talks about incidents and mounting tension, with some shots fired and several assaults. He says the Guard will not be armed and will not be guarding the Hormel plant.
January 8, 1986 -
September 24, 1985 - MPR Journal host Gary Eichten presents a collection of reports and news items for Tuesday, September 24th, 1985.
August 15, 1985 - Earlier in week P-9 board membership vote against Hormel final contract proposal. P-9 Union gives company 48 hours notice of intent to walk off job. Guyette: Talks about company?s motives. Talks about 1978 contract where union gave up a number of things in eight year contract.Informational meeting on Saturday to decide on strategies. Increased corporate campaign effort. Businesses in Austin are hurting. TV business owner talks about business being off. It?s affecting everybody.
August 15, 1985 - In Austin workers sign up for strike detail, closed informational meetings on Saturday. Car caravan to TC planned later in the week for infromational leafleting at First Bank offices.Jim Ueland of First Bank says campaign is misguided and has not had significant effect on company. 1984 was highest profit year in history, bank has been growing at 15-20 percent a year, is sound stable banking system, not disrupted by events outside. The bank?s voting on the Hormel stock it holds some 14 percent, is largely controlled by labor at the Austin plant, not management as Rogers claims.Management to shut plant down for 2 weeks before reopens, will shift operations to other plants. The company will hold out for as long as it takes. Nyberg: Since have been threatened with strike for many months have arranged for products to be produced at other locations. Fully intend to supply customers without interruption even though P-9 is on strike. Nyberg says contract proposal rejected is one of the best in the industry and will serve as basis for any future negotiations.
August 14, 1985 - City is looking at the first strike in more than 50 years. Mayor Tom Keogh was quoted as saying, "economically town is in limbo, at a standstill. Stress on residents used to high wages, people don't have a lot of extra money, have to be optimistic that the strike will be settled."