August 12, 1985 - Union board presented Hormel final contract proposal to union members. Board tells membership to reject proposal because is worse than offered at other plants in Hormel chain, both wage and benefits. Guaranteed annual wage out the window. Company offer $10/hr rate instead of $11.25/hr rate. Ray Rogers clause would prohibit distribution of anti-company literature, was hired to help win back 23 percent wage and benefit cut. Will call for vote on Weds. Company has declared an impasse in negotiations, company free to implement proposal anytime. Union wants to pick time for strike, not have company dictate this.
August 10, 1985 - It?s a frustrating feeling, the whole town going through nervous breakdown, affects anyone who earns any money anywehere, people lose secureity and their futures, they?ve paid a constulant for a corporate campaign, if they had the union leadership they were entitled to this wouldn?t have happened. Austin has had labor peace for over 50 years, are people prepared for a strike? Hormel has a reputation for being fair with employees, people try to get into plant. The women intervied does not work for Hormel, is self-employed, she doesn?t like the the union has been doing, many people are afreaid to spead out, they?re afraid of the union. People are afraid of losing their jobs, people need business form Hormel exectuives and labor. Effect on Austin from a long strike will be tragic. It?s a long time before will be able to lure any kind of indtury into thie town.