Minnesota Historical Society | Page 25

Nation’s labor movement takes center stage in Austin

On April 10, 1986, union members from around the nation show support for striking Hormel employees by marching and protesting alongside Local P-9 union members. Minneapolis Star Tribune negatives collection, box 596 (Hormel strike images).

Protest march and ride

On April 10, 1986, citizens on motorcycles lead a protest march in Austin. P-9 mobilized their members and the Austin community to take their fight for a living wage and safe working conditions to the national stage with the help of national media attention. Union activists joined their fight, coming from across the country to participate in picketing, demonstrations, and rallies. Minneapolis Star Tribune negatives collection, box 596 (Hormel strike images).

Hormel protester

A protester from Local 325 in St. Louis joins the Local P-9 fight. Minneapolis Star Tribune negatives collection, box 596 (Hormel strike images).

Supporters of striking Hormel workers

In an unprecedented show of support, union members across the nation showed up to protest alongside striking Local P-9. Minneapolis Star Tribune negatives collection, box 596 (Hormel strike images).

Striking Hormel workers march with signs

For almost a year, picketing, marches, and rallies were held by Local P-9 to protest unsafe working conditions and wage cuts at Hormel. Minneapolis Star Tribune negatives collection, box 596 (Hormel strike images).

Striking Hormel workers on April 10, 1986

The nation watched the Hormel strike on the evening news and read about it in newspapers while union leaders across the world watched, waiting to see how long Local P-9 could hold its position. Minneapolis Star Tribune negatives collection, box 596 (Hormel strike images).

Hormel Strike, 1985–1986

On August 17, 1985, about 1,500 Hormel Foods Corporation workers went on strike at the meat-processing plant at the company’s headquarters in Austin, Minnesota. The strikers, members of United Food and Commercial Workers’ Local P-9, cited a wage freeze, dangerous working conditions, and a wage cut as the reasons for the strike, which continued for thirteen months. New non-union workers were hired and the National Guard was called to protect them, drawing global attention. The conflict is heralded as one of the most contentious and longest-running strikes in Minnesota history.