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On Strike at Hormel: The Struggle for a Democratic Labor Movement: Index

On Strike at Hormel: The Struggle for a Democratic Labor Movement
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table of contents
  1. Cover
  2. Series Page
  3. Title Page
  4. Copyright
  5. Foreword to the Reissued Edition
  6. Contents
  7. Preface
  8. Foreword
  9. I. “Families Fighting Back”
  10. II. The Weight of the Past
  11. III. Spreading the Word
  12. IV. A Community of Their Own
  13. V. Ambushed
  14. VI. Closing Ranks
  15. VII. Disobedience
  16. VIII. “This is not Johannesburg”
  17. IX. The Chain of Command
  18. X. Conclusion
  19. Notes
  20. Index

INDEX

ABC News: death of newsmen, 136, 325n.53; “Nightline,” 141–42, 146; “20–20,” 289

Adopt-a-Family program: appeals for, 203; held independent of Local P-9, 253; importance of, 284; mechanics of, 90–91; police chief seeks investigation of, 275; post-strike program, 263; UFCW attack on, 118–19

AFL-CIO, 168; executive council meeting, 185, 192; Food and Allied Service Trade Division (FAST), 188; statement on Hormel strike, 191

African National Congress (ANC), 258

Ahrens, Terry, 210

Air Line Pilots Association, 19

Albert Lea, Minn., 138, 211. See Farmstead Packing Co.

Alewitz, Mike, 256

Algona, Iowa, 55, 69, 94; and Local P-9’s extended pickets, 139, 146–47, 149; and UFCW “special organizing team,” 151

Allen, Dan, 98, 128

Allen, Edward, x, 14, 19, 26, 133, 277

Amalgamated Clothing & Textile Workers Union, 16–20; and Ray Rogers, 108–9

Amalgamated Meatcutters and Butcher Workmen, 293, 311n.15

American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME), 204, 256

American Indian Movement (AIM), 138, 141, 259, 275

American Postal Workers Union, 205, 256

Anderson, Elizabeth, 23–24

Anderson, Lewie, 97, 201, 235–36, 245; assessment of 1986 Hormel contract, 265; becomes UFCW Packinghouse Division director, 10; on “CBS Morning News,” 186; debates Guyette on ABC News “Nightline,” 141–42; description, 10–13; edged out of Hormel negotiations, 99; “Fact Book on P-9,” 142; firing by UFCW, vii, xv; first conflict with Guyette, 46–49; and Hormel Chain-Local P-9 dispute, 54–57; on Hormel’s negotiating approach, 165; on Local P-9’s negotiations, 296; meets with Hormel strikers in 1986, 265–66; meets with P-9 executive board, 116–17; and 1987 Morrell strike, 290–91; opposition to Local P-9 campaign, strike, 10, 26–29; and plant closings, 10; press conference at AFL-CIO meeting, 188; supported by Communist Party, 208; on underestimating Local P-9, 298; visits Austin in 1985, 27–29

Ankeny, DeWalt, 21, 25, 104

Anker, John: defeated in run for Local P-9 presidency, 53–54; and UFCW “special organizing team,” 151, 233

Apold, Carole, 33–34, 133, 218, 249

Arian, David, 206

Armour & Co., 13; taken over, 42–43; wage concessions at, 46

Arnold, Deryl, 92, 249; on mediators’ proposal, 124; on plant blockages, 131–32, 136–37; on punishment for boycotting, 268

Aronowitz, Stanley, 36, 241

Austin Committee for Positive Action, 60

Austin Daily Herald, 41; favoritism toward Hormel, 41, 61

Austin Labor Center, 248; mural, 8, 256–58; mural sandblasted by UFCW, 268; as separate entity from Local P-9, 253; turned over to International union, 261

Austin, Minnesota: as company town, 3; description, 3–5; divisions due to strike, 84–86; economic impact of strike, 84–86; jail and Law Enforcement Center, 5, 159, 198–99, 216; post-strike frictions in town, 269–70; UFCW campaign of repression, 261–63

Austin Police Department, x; and aftermath of strike, 269; and blockages of Hormel plant, 121, 131, 153, 211–13, 216–23, 260; and Local P-9’s civil disobedience, 197; and Mayor Kough, 326n.55; and preparations for strike, 33; reaction to strike, 155–56; relations with Hormel security operatives, 275; and strike violence, 85; surveillance of Local P-9, 155–56, 273–74

Automatic Merchandiser, 279

Babbitt, Bruce, 295

Backiel, Linda, 81, 162

Bahl, Denise, 155–56

Bailey, Jo Ann, 144

Baker, Gary, 33; relations with Austin police, 275; report on Pete Rachleff, 275–76

Bal Harbour, Florida, 185, 278

Bambrick, Jeannie: on “bannering,” 85–86; on criminal charges against P-9ers, 267; effect of strike on, 270; on founding of United Support Group, 13–14; at Hormel stockholders’ meeting, 20.

Bambrick, Mike, 215; on civil disobedience, 196; effect of strike on, 270; on mediators’ proposal, 121

Banks of Iowa, 63; “bannered” by Local P-9, 64, 67, 79. See First Bank System

Barnett, William, 266

Bass, Emily, ix, 225; acts to block trusteeship, handles Local P-9 suit against International, 241, 247–53; coaches Local P-9 officers for trusteeship hearings, 231; and criminal syndicalism charges, 162, 217, 222; and First Amendment-secondary boycott issues, 81

Bell, Hank: mediates negotiations, 31, 91–92, 100–101; and mediators’ proposal, 116–17

Bellecourt, Vernon, 138, 141, 276

Bellrichard, Cynthia, 198

Beloit, Wisconsin, 69, 94; and Local P-9’s extended picketing, 139, 153

Benda v. Grand Lodge of Machinists, 251–53

Bergstrom, R. J., 91, 215

Bergstrom, Ronald, 216

Bernard, Harold Jr., 92; settles Local P-9 secondary-boycott charges, 80–81

Beverly Enterprises, 288

Blin, Dick, ix, 90, 280

Blum, Fred, 35–38

Boschwitz, Rudy, 275

Bozzotto, Domenic, 210, 256

Brock, William, 327n.4

Brown & Sharpe Manufacturing Co., 19–20

Brown, Bob, 170, 206, 224

Buck, Kathy, 272, 323n.33

Bulletin, The, 114, 276

Business Week, 58

Busker, Darrell, 7, 128; on aftermath of strike, 269–70; on Local P-9’s tactics, 282; on strikebreakers, 184–85, 270

Cain, Cecil, 76, 90, 144, 270

California Federation of Teachers, 204–5

California Plant Protection Services (CPP), 158, 272

Campbell Soup Co., 19, 202

Carlson, Ken, 33, 275

Carpal tunnel syndrome, 23

Carson, Fred, 13

Catholic Bulletin, 259

Cavanaugh, James, 30

CBS Morning News, 186

Chicago Tribune strike, 223

CIO, 40, 299

Citizens Organizations Acting Together (COACT), 78

Civil Service Employees Association (New York), 209

Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, 256

Coalition of Labor Union Women, 223

Collette, Barbara, 197–98; on P-9’s tactics, 282

Collette, Frank, on disabled workers, 268–69

Collins, Charles, 270

Colonial Provision Co., 209–10

Communications Workers of America, 91; supporting Local P-9, 166, 223

Communist Labor Party: and National Rank and File Against Concessions, 112–13; compared with Socialist Workers Party, 113–14

Communist Party (U.S.A.), attitude toward Local P-9 and International union, 114–15, 208, 244

Compa, Lance, 244–45

ConAgra, 293; purchase of Armour & Co., 43; UFCW campaign against, 26

“Controlled Retreat” position paper, 186–87

Conway, E. Virgil, 17

Cook, Bill: on Local P-9’s extended picketing, 147–48; at Detroit rally for Hormel strikers, 206

Cooper, Jake, 89–90, 124; on contribution of Twin Cities Support Committee, 113

Corbett, Michael, 234

Corey, H. H., 38

Corporate campaigns: comparison of Hormel-J. P. Stevens campaigns, 108–9, 320n.45; definition, 16–17; and Hormel-First Bank analysis, 21–22; at J. P. Stevens, 16–19; at other companies, 19–20

Corporate Campaign Inc., 5, 32; analysis of Hormel-First Bank ties, 21–22, 105–7; attitude toward leftists, 113; effects of Hormel strike on, 276–77; faulted for role in Hormel strike, 243–44, 284; fees, 277, 313n.3; and International Paper strike of 1987, 302; literature for Local P-9, 62–63; and Local P-9 organizing, 14–15; previous campaigns, 15–20, 108–9, 320n.45

Cotton, Watt, Jones & King, memo on sympathy strikes at Ottumwa, 93–94

Criminal syndicalism, 160–62, 197, 217, 222

Cudahy meatpacking company. See Patrick Cudahy Inc.

Dahlback, Bob, 162

Daily World, 114

Dakota City, Nebraska, 294

Dallas, Texas, Hormel plant and extended picketing, 146–147, 149

Dane County Labor Council, 217

Decker Coal Co. strike, 273

DeFrieze, Louis, 235; on Local P-9 caravan, 75; reactions to extended picketing, 148, 194

Democratic Farmer Labor Party: endorses Hormel boycott, 279; opposition to deployment of National Guard in Austin, 142, 153, 330n.28

Democratic Socialists of America, 277

Dennison, Bill, 208; on Corporate Campaign, 243–44

Devitt, Edward: prohibits Local P-9’s First Bank activities, 79–81, 102; restricts plant gate protests, 246–47, 256; turns Austin Labor Center over to International, 261; and UFCW/Local P-9 lawsuits, 248–53; upholds trusteeship, 253

Diggins, Roger, 199

Dissent, 243

Dold Foods, Co., acquired by Hormel, 28

Dority, Doug, 201; and “special organizing team,” 151

Dubofsky, Melvin, 161

Dubuque, Iowa, 64–66, 94; and Local P-9’s extended pickets, 146–47, 170. See also FDL Foods Inc.

Dubuque Packing Co., 28, 66

Duma, Babs, 258

Dunning, Jesse 161

Eaton, Don, 100; and mediators’ proposal, 115–17

Ellis, Frank: background, 39–40; and criminal syndicalism, 161; organizes union at Hormel, 40

Erskine, John, 156

Escrow accounts, 44–45, 312n.25. See also Geo. A. Hormel & Co.

Evans, Merrill, 66, 195, 265, 270

Evers, Tom, 210

Excel Corp., 293; purchases Hormel’s Ottumwa plant, 270–71

Farah Slacks Co., 16

Farmer support for Local P-9, 138, 140–41, 164

Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC), 19, 202

Farmstead Packing Co., 138, 211

FDL Foods Inc., 63, 188; acquired by Hormel, 28; extended pickets, 94, 146–47, 170, 194–95; strike of 1986, 291–92; work force described, 65–66; workers and Local P-9 caravan, 64–66. See also Dubuque, Iowa

Federal Bureau of Investigation: files on P-9 activists, supporters, ix, 210–11; questions supporter Brian Lang, 210

Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service, 91, 122–23

Finley, Murray, 17

First Bank System: and Banks of Iowa, 63; connections to Hormel, 21–22, 105–7; effectiveness of Local P-9’s campaign against, 106–10, 283, 288; Local P-9’s protests, 25, 63, 78–79; and secondary boycott charges and hearings, 25, 77–78, 80–81, 92, 101–5; stockholders’ meeting, 25

Fleischli, George, arbitration decisions, 57, 60, 312n.30

Food deliveries. See UFCW Local P-9

Foreman, Jay, 26, 201, 214, 235; on aftermath of strike, 280–81; considers trusteeship for Local P-9, 241; reaction to mediators’ proposal, 116; and “special organizing team,” 151; visits Austin, Minnesota, 27

Fossum, Lorraine, ix, 75

Foster, Dave, 77, 224

Fox, James, 80

Francis, Dale, 276

Freedom of Information Act, ix, 210–11

Fremont, Nebraska, 10; and Local P-9 caravan, 70–74; and P-9’s extended picketing, 94–95, 143–50, 193–95. See also UFCW Local 22

Gagala, Ken, on Local P-9’s campaign against First Bank, 106–9

Gandhi, Mohandas, 195, 203

Gang incentive, 30, 37; effect of abolition, 52–53; traded for escrow plan, 44–45, 59. See also Geo. A. Hormel & Co.

Geo. A. Hormel & Co., 3; arbitration decisions, 57–58, 60, 312n.30; Austin plant blockages, 120–21, 131, 153, 211–13, 215–21; boycott of Hormel products, 146, 217, 232–34, 254, 256, 258–60, 278–80, 333n.56; closes Austin and Fremont slaughtering operations, 292–93; closes Ottumwa plant, 270; contract terms in 1986, 264; and court actions against plant blockages and P-9 protests, 121, 168, 199; and crossovers, 154; demands further concessions in 1987, 292–93; economic effects of strike, 98, 139, 255, 278–79; and extended picketing, xiv, 71, 92–98, 138–39, 143–50, 193–95; fires Local P-9 executive board members, 279; Fremont Plant, 69–74, 94–95, 148–49, 193–95; injured workers, 6, 22–25, 268–69; monitoring of Local P-9’s activities, 103, 131; and mediators’ proposal, 116; negotiations with Local P-9, 29–31, 91–93, 99–101, 115–18, 165, 216; new Austin plant agreement, 44; new Austin plant described, 51–53; Ottumwa plant, 67, 94–95, 138, 146–48, 193–94, 270–71; paternalism, 7; proposals for 1985 negotiations, 30–32, 60; reopening of Austin plant, 123, 127–29, 195; and replacement workers, 123, 127–29, 137, 146, 165, 169, 184, 195, 228; secondary boycott charges and hearings against Local P-9, 77–78, 80–81, 92, 101–5; security operatives, 272–73, 344n.39; Spam’s 50th anniversary, 278; stockholders’ meetings, 20, 147, 150; strike of 1933, 35; strike settlement agreement in 1986, 268; and subcontracting with Quality Pork Products, 292–93; ties to First Bank, 21–22, 105–7; wage and benefit cuts, 5, 7, 10, 24, 60; welfare capitalism at, 36–38; work at, 22–24

Gesell, Gerhard, and Local P-9’s lawsuit against the International, 249–51

Getchell, Jim, 128; on Local P-9’s extended picketing, 144–45; on firing by Hormel and strike aftermath, 268–69

Gettler, Marvin, 240

Goldberg, Paul, 152

Goodew, Ray, 161; charged with resisting arrest, 216

Goodnature, Sandy, 198

Goodnature, Wayne, 225, 267; on April plant blockage and “riot,” 221–22; attitude toward strikers, 155; on Austin plant shutdown, 153; calls for National Guard in Austin, 132, 217; calls for outside police aid, 218; takes “control” of town, 138; and Rogers, 159–60

Graphic Communications International Union, 108, 254

Greyhound Bus Lines Co., 43

Groundswell, 141, 164

Grubb, James, 150, 167

Guaranteed annual wage, 37, 52, 100–101, 122–23. See also Geo. A. Hormel & Co.

Guardian, The, 242

Gustafson, Dan, 82, 142, 192

Guyette, Jim, 29, 221, 266; on ABC News “Nightline,” 141–42; at AFL-CIO executive council meeting, 186–90; background, 46–48; calls for Solidarity City, 258; on CBS Morning News, 186; debates Nyberg on television, 125; dedicates Austin Labor Center mural, 258; description, 8–10; elected to P-9 executive board, 49; elected P-9 president, 54; evaluates strike, 285; on extended picketing, 144–45; FBI files on, 211; first conflict with Lewie Anderson, 46–49; found guilty of contempt of court, 158–59; life after trusteeship, 271–72; on mediators’ proposal 118, 121; meets with Kirkland and Wynn, 190–91; and NRFAC, 112; at out-of-town rallies, 202–3; at post-trusteeship protest, 263; remarks in Fremont, Nebraska, 70; “riot” charges against, 223, 267; sued by International, 272; at Trusteeship hearings, 229–41

Guyette, Vicky, 84, 86; effect of strike on children, 276; on founding of United Support Group, 13–14; at Hormel stockholders’ meeting, 20–21; on Local P-9’s tactics, 282

Hagen, Kenny, 30, 143, 216

Hansen, Joe, 279; attends Local P-9 negotiations, 99–101, 115–16, 309n.40; on democracy vs. centralization, 300; letter on mediators’ proposal, 119–20; on Local P-9’s negotiations, 298; meets with Local P-9 executive board in Washington, 116–17; meets with strikers in 1986, 265–66; negotiates 1986 Hormel contract, 260–65; negotiates strike settlement agreement in 1986, 268; on punishment for boycotting Hormel products, 268; purpose of “special organizing team,” 151; reaction to Local P-9’s extended picketing, 147; as trustee, 248; at trusteeship hearings, 232–40; visits to Austin, 27, 90, 201–2

Hansen, John, 41, 48

Harbrandt, Robert, 188–89

Hardesty, Rex, 140, 191

Hayes, Charles, 225

Heegard, Buck, 200, 225, 270; arrested at Austin plant blockage, 224; and FBI, 211; West Coast activities, 204–5

Henning, Bill, 166

Hibbard, Susan, 209

Hoffman, Donald: on April plant blockage and “riot,” 221; attitude toward strikers, 155, 274–76; on Austin plant shutdown, 153; calls for National Guard in Austin, 132, 217; calls for outside police assistance, 218; evaluation of strike, 274–75; on Mayor Kough, 274; memos regarding surveillance of Local P-9, 155–56, 273–76; on press coverage of strike, 126; strike preparations of, 33; summary of 1986 “vandalism,” 269

Holman, Currier, 294

Holton, I. J., 102

Hormel chain. See United Food and Commercial Workers International union

Hormel Co. See Geo. A. Hormel & Co.

Hormel Foundation, 85, 283; holding of company stock, 22, 125; Miles Lord announces investigation of, 125–26; purpose of, 38, 323n.35

Hormel, George, 5, 38, 105

Hormel, Gregory, 167

Hormel, Jay: and First Bank Austin, 105; and strike of 1933, 36, 38–40; and welfare capitalism, 38

Hotel Employees & Restaurant Employees Union, 210, 256

Howe, Irving, 243

Huge, Harry, 248, 253

Huinker, Rod, 160; on crossovers, 164; on Fremont picketing, 193; on Local P-9’s tactics, 283

Humphrey, Hubert H., Ill, 126

Huston, Lynn, 30, 99, 211, 223, 270; announces lawsuit against International, 241; arrested, 216; on considering ending the strike, 135; described, 66; evaluates strike, 285; on extended picketing, 144, 147–48, 193–94; in fact-finding, 143; on meeting with FDL Foods workers, 65–66; on meeting with Ottumwa workers, 68–69; testifies at NLRB secondary boycott hearing, 102–3; at trusteeship hearings, 239–40

Hygrade Packing Co., 43

IBP (Iowa Beef Processors Inc.), 11, 276; history, 42, 293–96; and Occupational Safety & Health Administration, 295; recent attempts at union organization, 188, 294–96; recognition of UFCW at Illinois plant, 295; and Waterloo, Iowa plant, 295–96

Independent Federation of Flight Attendants, 277

Independent Union of All Workers: consumer boycotts, 88; as forerunner of Local P-9, 35, 299; organizes across Midwest, 40–41

Industrial Workers of the World, 257; and criminal syndicalism, 160–61; as forerunner of Local P-9, 36

International Committee Against Racism (INCAR), 275

International Paper Co.: corporate campaigns at, 19, 277; strike, 301–2

In These Times, 242

Iowa Beef Processors. See IBP

Iowa Farm Unity Coalition, 167

Irlbeck, Gene, 140

Jackson, Jesse: comes to Austin, 224–29; meets with Nyberg, 226; at Patrick Cudahy strike, 292

John Morrell & Co., 43, 67; fined by Occupational Safety & Health Administration, 289; settlement in 1985, 100; strike of 1985, 79; strike in 1987–88, 288–91; wage concessions in 1981, 46

Johnson, Bob, 111; arrest for “terroristic threats,” 85; charges dismissed, 271

Johnson, William, 267

Johnston, Thomas, 102–5

J. P. Stevens & Co.: comparison of corporate campaigns at Stevens and Hormel, 108–9, 320n.45; corporate campaign against, 16–19; and labor law violation, 16

Judd, Keith, 30, 98, 216

KAAL-TV, 221; and favoritism toward Hormel, 60

Kamber, Victor, 187

Kane, Dan, 166, 202

Katz, Harry, 296

Kelly, Pete, 111

Kimbro, Ken, 188; as assistant trustee of Local P-9, 248, 263

King, Martin Luther, 195, 203

Kirkland, Lane, 82, 187, 205, 280, 284, 299; on democracy vs. centralization, 300; meets with Guyette and Wynn, 190–91

Klingfus, Chris, 171

Knowlton, Richard, 21, 61, 279; on economic effect of strike, 139; and Ray Rogers, 280; salary increase, 129; at secondary boycott hearings against Local P-9, 102–4; speaks with Jesse Jackson, 228; telephones Perpich, Tschida, 132, 154

Knoxville, Illinois, Hormel plant, 69, 94

Kochan, Thomas, 296

Kohlman, Larry, 266; and “special organizing team,” 151, 239; testifies at trusteeship hearings, 239–40

Koppel, Ted, 141–42

Kopple, Barbara, 219, 225

Kough, Carol, 62

Kough, Tom: arranges for mediation of strike, 122, 124; calls for National Guard in Austin, 132; and friction with police, 274, 326n.55; life after strike, 270; vacillation on National Guard, 153, 325n.51

Kraft, Fred, 161, 217

Kraft, Ron, 22

Kruger, Madeline and Merle, 203

Krukowski, Chaet, Beck & Loomis, 32

Krukowski, Thomas, 32, 292, 309n.40

Kwitney, Jonathan, 293–94

Labor movement: meaning of Hormel strike for, 296–303; as percentage of work force, vii; response to Hormel strike, Local P-9, 4

Labor Notes, 242, 285

Lamberton, Ben, 250–51

Landrum-Griffin Act, 252

Laney, Tom, 77, 133

Lang, Brian: arrested at Austin plant blockage, 224; builds support for Local P-9 in Boston, 209–10; questioned by FBI, 210

Langemeier, Bob, 73, 95; fired by Hormel, 271; on Local P-9’s extended pickets, 148–49

Larson, David, 33, 50, 216, 298; comments on Local P-9’s negotiating demands, 99–100; on guaranteed annual wage, 143; reaches 1986 contract with Hansen, 264

Latimer, George, 122, 124

Lee, Alan, 241

Left-wing organizations, and Local P-9, 112–15, 206–8, 245

Lefty’s Bar, 87–88, 166

“Legacy of Pain,” tabloid for Local P-9, 22–24

Leighton, Robert, 162

Lenoch, Floyd: announces he won’t run for Local P-9 presidency, 53; on bargaining committee, 30; and FBI, 211; firing and death, 279; regarding negotiations with Hormel, 32, 99; and United Support Group, 14

Leopold, Les, 243

Letter Carriers union, 256

Livingston, David, 202

Local P-9. See UFCW Local P-9

Long, Larry, 219

Longshoremen’s union (ILWU), 205, 206

Lord, Miles, 267; announces investigation of Hormel Foundation, 125–26

Lovrink, Steve, 279

Lutty, Anthony, 235

McCarthy, Eugene, 267

McClurg, Larry, 148

McCoslin, Dan, 206

McDonough, Bill, 152

McDowell, Al, 70

McGowan, William, 209

Machinists union (IAM), 19, 191, 206, 256

McKersie, Robert, 296

McPherson, Rick, 80, 103, 162

Mancuso, John, 27

Mandela, Nelson, 8, 258

Martsching, “Bear,” 205

Mayer, Henry, 125

Mealy, Denny, 256–57

Meatpacking: decline of “Big Four” packers, 42; industry changes, 42–43; on-the-job injuries, 5–6, 22–25, 268–69, 289, 295; whipsawing of wages, 288–96

Mediators’ proposal, described, 116–17

Menapace, Jerry, 238, 241

Metropolitan Life Insurance Co., 17

Michels, Robert, 297

Mickens, Marsha, 170, 206, 224

Militant, The, 114, 276

Miller, Bud, 203

Mills, Nicolaus, 242–43

Minneapolis Star & Tribune, 61, 222

Minnesota AFL-CIO: and Hormel boycott, 279; Perpich attends legislative conference, 192; and resolution of support for Hormel strikers, 81–83

Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, 132, 156

Minnesota Civil Liberties Union, 81

Minnesota Education Association, 77, 124

Minnesota Federation of Teachers, 108

Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, ix

Minnesota National Guard, 4, 217; arrival in Austin, 135–36; attitude toward strikers, 156–58; DFL Party opposition to use in Austin, 142, 153; and labor disputes generally, 132, 142, 328n.6; Perpich orders into Austin, 133; returned to Austin, 158; Rogers on, 284; use in keeping Austin plant open, 137; withdrawn first time, 153; withdrawn second time, 192

Minnesota State Patrol, 33, 217; and labor disputes, 132; use during Local P-9 blockages of Austin plant, 137, 219, 326n.55

“Missing language” in Hormel contract, 46, 57–58, 312n.30

Moberg, David, 155, 158, 164; on in-plant tactics, 284

Moloney, Ray, 162

Montross, Bill, 242

Moody, Kim, 242–43

Moran, John, 204

Mork, James, 267

Morono, Maria Rosario, 206

Morrell company. See John Morrell &Co.

Morrison, John, contact with “special organizing team,” 151, 233

Morse Cutting Tool Co., 210

Moss, Mel, 65, 149

National Education Association (NEA), 256

National Emergency Civil Liberties Committee, 81, 162

National Guard. See Minnesota National Guard

National Hormel Boycott Day, 254

National Labor Relations Act, 158; publicity proviso, 81, 102, 319n.36

National Labor Relations Board, 248, 251–52, 260, 271; and J. P. Stevens, 16; and Morrell strike of 1987, 291; and Patrick Cudahy strike, 292; secondary boycott complaints against Local P-9, 78, 92; second hearing on complaints against P-9, 101–5; seeks federal restrictions of P-9 plant gate protests, 246; settlement of initial secondary boycott complaints, 80–81; unfair labor practice charges against P-9, 199

National Lawyers Guild, 245

National Organization for Women, 254

National Rank-and-File Against Concessions (NRFAC), 100; and Communist Labor Party, 112; founding convention, 111–12; sponsors April rally, 224; support for Local P-9, 113, 206–7

National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees, 168

Nebraska State Patrol: criticized by Nyberg, 74–75; and extended picketing, 145, 193; and Local P-9’s caravan, 69–70

Nelson, Pam, 232

Newby, David, 217

Newman, Audrey, 20

New plant agreement: arbitration over, 57; as negotiated by Richard Schaefer, 44–45. See also Geo. A. Hormel & Co.

News media and strike, 60–61, 126–127, 248–49

New York Amsterdam News, 209

New York city council, 209

New York City Sun, 209

New York Times, 166

Nicholas, Henry, 168

Niederkeppe, Skip, 70, 234–35, 237; on Local P-9’s extended pickets, 148

Norma Rae, 259

Norris-LaGuardia Act, 251–53

North American Meat Packers Union (NAMPU), 260–62, 273

Northwest Airlines, 91

Nuchow, Bill, 166, 202

Nyberg, Charles, vii, 41, 124, 165, 201, 215, 271; on aftermath of strike, 278; announces Knowlton’s salary increase, 129; criticizes Nebraska State Patrol, 74–75; debates Guyette on television, 125; evaluates strike, 286, 298; on fact-finding, 143; on guaranteed annual wage, 100–101; on Local P-9’s campaign against First Bank, 107–9; and Local P-9’s caravan, 74–75; on mediators’ proposal and reopening of plant, 123; meets with Jesse Jackson and Jan Pierce, 226; on negotiations with trustee in 1986, 262–63; on permanent replacements, 143, 228; on Perpich’s role in strike, 192–93; on Rogers and CCI, 277; on secondary boycotts and Local P-9, 78; on use of National Guard in Austin, 137

Occidental Petroleum, 294

Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA): and John Morrell & Co., 289; and IBP Inc., 295

O’Dell, Kevin, 270

Olsen, Barbara, 21

Olsen, Floyd, B., 39

Olsen, Tillie, 267

Olson, Wendell, 26–27

Olwell, William, 235, 241; and “special organizing team,” 151

Original Local P-9, 254, 260

Osborn, Arthur, 255

Oscar Mayer & Co., 11; Madison, Wisconsin local union, 217; Madison members withhold dues from International, 255; wage concessions at, 46; wage reduction not allowed, 57

Ottumwa, Iowa, 13; demonstrations, 150, 166, 254; Hormel closes its plant, 270; Hormel plant leased to Excel Corp., 270–71; and Local P-9 caravan, 67–69; and Local P-9’s extended pickets, 94–95, 138, 146–50, 193–94; lockout at plant, 194; union members reinstated, 264; as union town, 67. See also UFCW Local 431

P-9. See UFCW Local P-9

P-10ers, 29, 134; contact with “special organizing team,” 152, 233; and proposal to accept chain package, 61; threats to take up arms against pickets, 158, 331n.39

“Packinghouse Workers’ Bill of Rights,” 301

Paperworkers union (UPIU): and corporate campaigns, 19, 277, 302; International Paper strike, 301–2; “pool” arrangement, 301–2

Parker, Jerry, supports strikers, 150, 167, 194

Patrick Cudahy Inc., 42–43, 228, 255; 1987 strike, 292

Pattern bargaining, 11, 300–301

Patterson, David, 111

Perl, Peter, 284

Perpich, Rudy, 91, 154, 197; attempts to resolve strike, 192–93; DFL Party opposition to deployment of National Guard, 142, 153, 330n.28; reaction to Local P-9’s extended picketing, 147; recommends fact-finder for dispute, 124; refuses April call for National Guard, 217; sends Guard to Austin, 133, 158; telephoned by Knowlton, 132; withdraws Guard, 149, 192

Perry, Iowa, 11

Petersen, Dan, 205

Peterson, Charlie, 200, 202, 230; testifies at trusteeship hearing, 239

Pierce, Jan, 209; accompanies Jesse Jackson to Austin, 225–29; after P-9 strike, 277–78; evaluates strike, 286; first travels to Austin, 168–69; meets with Jackson and Nyberg, 226; at New York rally for Local P-9, 202

Plumb, Larry: at Local P-9’s trusteeship hearings 233–34; on purpose of “special organizing team,” 151–52

Plumb, Tom, at trusteeship hearings, 232–33

Political Affairs, 244

Polzine, Bobbi, 141

Pontius, Carl, 24; arrested at Austin plant blockage, 212–13; compares Ottumwa and Fremont workers, 95; on extended picketing, 145; resigns UFCW to join NAMPU, 261

Posse Comitatus, 158

Postal Workers union, 91

Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (PATCO), 19, 131, 140, 224

Progressive Labor Party, 274–75

Prosten, Jessie, 11, 42, 277

Qualified Rehabilitation Counselors, 23

Quality Pork Products, 292–93

Quill, Shirley, 169

Rachleff, Pete, 77; on Communist Labor Party, 112–13; and founding of Twin Cities Support Committee, 90; report of Gary Baker on, 275–76

Rainbow Coalition, 258

Rath Packing Co., 28

Reagan, Ronald, 8, 275, 303

Reichelt, Mark, 290

Renton, Washington, Hormel plant and Local P-9’s extended picketing, 149, 153, 195, 203

Replacement workers: at FDL Foods, 292; at Hormel, 123, 127–29, 137, 146, 165, 169; at John Morrell & Co., 289; at Patrick Cudahy Inc., 292

Retail Clerks union, 45

Retterath, Jim, 30, 99, 203, 211; on guaranteed annual wage, 143

Rice, Charles Owen, 246, 259

Richardson, Robert, 270

Ring, Dave, 30

Rochelle, Illinois, FDL Foods plant, 69, 94

Rochester Post-Bulletin, 61

Rogers, Carmine, 198

Rogers, Ray: and Adopt-A-Family program, 90–91, 284; at AFL-CIO executive council meeting, 186–90; analysis of First Bank campaign, 108–10; assessment of strike, 283–84; charged with “rioting,” 223; charges dismissed, 267; and civil disobedience, 159–60, 195–200, 284; and comparison of Hormel-J. P. Stevens campaigns, 108–9, 320n.45; Corporate Campaign’s fees, 72, 313n.3; and criminal syndicalism, 160, 197, 217, 222; description, 8–9; effect of strike on, 201, 276–77; and extended picketing, 144–46, 153; FBI files on, 211; first visit to Austin, 14; held guilty of contempt of court, 158–59; and International Paper strike, 277, 302; on the International union, 284; jailings, 161, 221; on Local P-9’s support, 256; on Nebraska State Patrol, 69; and nonviolence, 128, 158, 203; at post-trusteeship protest, 263; previous corporate campaigns, 15–20; and Solidarity City, 258–60; strike preparations, 62–63; testifies before NLRB hearing 102–3

Rollins, Ron, 30, 98, 162; on fact-finding, 143; on mediators’ proposal, 116–17; on negotiations, 32–33

Rosenthal, Jerry: background in Austin, 96; reaction to Local P-9’s extended picketing, 148–49

Rottner, Alex, 257

Rudd, Cindy, and Adopt-A-Family fund, 91

St. Edward’s Church, 216, 227

St. Paul Pioneer Press and Dispatch, 222

Salvatore, Nick, 243

Schaefer, Richard, 42, 50, 53–54, 237; contact with UFCW “special organizing team,” 151–52, 233; negotiates 1978 Hormel contract, 44

Schmidt, Larry, 219

Schulte, Bud, 77

Secondary boycotts: and First Amendment, 78, 109, 320n.45; and First Bank System, 25; Local P-9 charged with, 78, 92; NLRB hearings on, 80–81, 101–5; Nyberg on, 109; outlawed, 319n.36

Seeger, Pete, 267

Serrin, William, 161, 189, 243; on herd journalism, 126; on Kirkland’s meeting with Guyette and Wynn, 190; on Local P-9’s coalition building, 140; on P-9’s tactics, 285; on Wynn and Guyette, 298–99

Service Employees International Union, 288

Shanker, Albert, 205

Sharp, Ronald, 80

Shatek, Dick, 269

Shinn, Richard, 18

Shultz, Frank, 41–42

Simcich, Tina: on relations between Hormel and First Bank, 107; testifies at NLRB hearings, 102–5

Sioux City, Iowa, 10; and John Morrell strike of 1987–88, 288–91; and Local P-9’s caravan, 74

Sioux Falls, South Dakota, 79; and John Morrell strike of 1987–88, 288–91

Smith, Art, 234

Smith, Jack, 248

Smith, Maralee, 111

Socialist Workers Party: and Austin police, 274; compared with Communist Labor Party, 113–14; and FBI, 276; and support for Local P-9, 113, 206–8

Soul, David, 224

Sovereign, Kenneth, 122, 124

SPAM-O-RAMA, 254

Sperry Corp., 17–18

Steel workers union (USW), 111, 300

Steir, Joe, 128

Stockton, California, Hormel plant and extended picketing, 149, 153, 195

Stone, Bruce, 154; dismisses criminal syndicalism charges against Rogers, 222; finds Rogers and Guyette guilty of contempt of court, 158–59; lifts restrictions on Local P-9 protests, 199; limits protests at Austin plant, 168

Support group. See United Support Group

Sutton, Crystal Lee, 18, 259

Swanson, Bill, 30–32

Swift & Co., 42–43; wage concessions at, 46

Teamsters for a Democratic Union, 111

Teamsters union (IBT), 42, 89; identifies “radical” members, 156; Master Freight Agreement, 300; supporters of Local P-9, 166

Terkel, Studs, 267, 282

Thompson, M. B., 38, 310n.10

Thorne Apple Valley Inc., 209

Tilsen, Kenneth, 267

Titus, Sandy, 198

Tolly’s Time Out, 88

Trans World Airlines strike, 202, 228, 277

Trumka, Richard, 205

Tschida, Paul, 132, 156, 192, 217

Tucker, Jerry, 284–85

Twedell, David, 216, 247, 260–61, 323n.33

Twin Cities Support Committee, 21; food deliveries to Local P-9, 89–90, 123–24, 217; “jailbird party,” 278; and leftists, 112–13; origins, 76–77; sit-in at Governor’s office, 139

Union Bank & Trust, 67

Union democracy, xiii, 11–12, 300–302

Unionist, The, 35, 40, 49; special editions, 22–25, 62–63

United Auto Workers, 67, 167; District 65, 202; New Directions caucus, 284; sponsor Detroit rally for Hormel strikers, 206; St. Paul Local 879, 77, 131

United Brands, 289, 291

United Electrical workers, 244

United Food and Commercial Workers International union (UFCW), 4; attempts to control donations to Local P-9, 119, 238, 253–54; campaign of repression in Austin, 261–63; consequences of Hormel strike for, 255; “controlled retreat” strategy, xii, 11, 28; corporate campaigns, 288; ends Hormel strike, 200–201; Hormel chain, 28, 96; Hormel chain, description of, 49–50; Hormel chain and Local P-9, 54–57; Hormel chain, origin of, 42; and IBP, 188, 276, 293–96; mail ballot vote on mediators’ proposal, 119–23; officials meet with Local P-9 executive board, 116–17, 213–14; opposition to Local P-9 campaign, 10–12, 25–29, 60; origin of International union, 45, 311n.15; pattern bargaining, 11; position on mid-term concessions, 54; post-strike benefits to P-9 members, 236; sandblasting of Austin Labor Center mural, 268; “special organizing team,’ 151–52, 201, 231–35; “Special Report” on Local P-9, 186, 237; strike at FDL Foods, 291–92; strike at John Morrell & Co., 288–91; strike at Patrick Cudahy Inc., 292; strike settlement agreement at Hormel, 5, 268; sued by Local P-9, 211, 231, 241, 247–53; suits against Guyette and Kathy Buck, 272; terms of 1986 Hormel contract, 264; trusteeship of Local P-9, 4–5, 214, 229–41, 247–53

UFCW Local P-9: actions toward strikebreakers, 129–30, 246–47, 269, 283, 324n.43; aftermath of strike, 5, 266–70; arbitration of wages, 57–58, 60, 312n.30; assessments for corporate campaign, 27; and attorneys, 162; becomes part of UFCW, 45; blockages of Austin plant, 120–21, 131, 153, 211–13, 215–21; boycott of Hormel products, 146, 217, 232–34, 254, 256, 258–60, 278–80, 333n.56; caravan, 64–75; community, 84–91; corporate campaign opposed by International union, 10–12, 25–29, 60; court-ordered limits on plant protests, 121,168, 199, 246–47; crossovers, 154, 162–64, 283–84; effectiveness of First Bank campaign, 105–10, 283, 288; escrow accounts of members, 44–45, 312n.25; executive board considers ending strike, 133–35; executive board meets with UFCW officials, 116–17, 213–14; executive board terminated, 279; extended picketing, xiv, 71, 92–98, 138–39, 143–50, 193–95; farmer support, 138, 140–41, 164; felony riot charges against members, 222–23; First Bank demonstrations, 63, 78–79, 85, 101; food deliveries to, 88–90, 123–24, 217; funds for, 75, 90–91, 118–19, 203, 253, 263, 275, 284; and Hormel chain, 54–57, 96; at Hormel stockholders’ meetings, 20–21, 150; initial negotiating proposal, 30; joins CIO, 40; intellectuals assess strike, 241–45; labor and other cross-country support, 4, 21, 77, 141, 165–71, 202–11, 287–88; and the left, 111–15, 206–8; meaning of strike for labor movement, 241–45, 296–303; members assess strike, 282–85; members react to mediators’ proposal, 118, 120–23; members reject revote on mediators’ proposal, 158; members respond to wage cut, 6–7; members seek decertification from UFCW, 231, 254, 260; members sign return-to-work notices, 231; members vote on mediators’ proposal, 114–23; mural on Austin Labor Center, 256–58; negotiating team, 29–30; negotiations with Hormel, 29–31, 91–93, 99–101, 115–18, 165, 216; and news media, 60–61, 126–27, 248–49; and nonviolent civil disobedience, 195–200, 211–13, 282–84; on-the-job injuries, 5–6, 22–25, 268–69; origin in IUAW, 36; outcome of criminal charges against members, 267; rallies, 90, 166–70, 223–24, 267, 278; reopening of Austin plant, 126–29; resolution to resolve differences with International, 200, 235, retirees, 20, 170; secondary boycott charges against, and hearings, 77–78, 80–81, 92, 101–5; self-organization, 13; social vision of members, 7–8; speaking tours, 75, 203–11; strike of 1933, 35, 38–40; strike committees, 75–76, 87, 317n.11; strike settlement agreement, 5, 268; student protests, 170–71; sues International, 211, 231, 241, 247–53; tactics, xii, xiv, 4, 282–88; trusteeship of, 4–5, 214, 229–41, 247–53, 261; unfair labor practice charges against, 199; and UFCW “special organizing team,” 151; and United Packinghouse Workers union, 40

UFCW Local 9, officers negotiate QPP contract, 293

UFCW Local 22: compared with Local 431 (Ottumwa), 72–73, 95; and Local P-9’s extended pickets, 71, 143–50, 193–95; response to P-9 caravan, 70–74; right to honor extended picket lines, 95, 328n.17; and UFCW “special organizing team,” 151. See also Fremont, Nebraska

UFCW Local 431, 223; arbitrator reinstates fired members, 264; committees, 150; compared with Local 22 (Fremont), 72–73, 95; and extended picket lines, 94, 138, 146–50, 193–94; Hormel closes plant, 270; lockout at plant, 194; members “bump” into Austin plant, 271; members held eligible for unemployment, 255; mid-term contract concessions, 54; rallies, 150, 166, 254; response to Local P-9 caravan, 67–69; right to honor extended pickets, 93–94. See also Ottumwa, Iowa

United Mine Workers, 205, 300

United Packinghouse Workers of America, 11, 45; Local P-9 and, 40; in Ottumwa, 67

U.S. Marshalls service, 247, 260

United Support Group: activities, 75; Adopt-A-Family program, 90–91, 118–19, 203, 253, 263, 275, 284; bannering, 14, 85; continues protests after trusteeship, 263, 267; Emergency and Hardship Fund, 75, 90, 253; general meetings, 86; at Hormel stockholders’ meeting, 20–21; self-organization, 13–14; as separate entity from Local P-9, 253, 261–62; sponsors Solidarity City, 258–60

University of Minnesota, 79; sponsors presentations by Hansen, Larson, 298

Valley National Bank, 79

Varner, Dan: fired by Hormel, 271; on Local P-9’s extended picketing, 147; at Local P-9 rally, 169; on mediators’ proposal, 121

Velasquez, Baldemar, 202

Vending Times, 279

Vincent, Al, 27, 99, 235

Vit, Frank: arrested at Austin plant blockage, 220; at Local P-9 rally, 170; West Coast activities, 205

Waller, Rich, 280

Watsonville, California, cannery strike, 204, 206, 223

Weis, John “Skinny,” 30, 99, 261, 269–70; arrested at Austin plant blockage, 212–13; at Chicago meeting with International officers, 213–14; and FBI, 211; on Local P-9’s tactics, 283; on Perpich’s attempts to resolve strike, 193; West Coast activities, 203–4

Weisen, Ron, 111

Wellstone, Paul, 77, 133

Wernick, Mark, 162, 168, 217

Wilson Foods Corp., 42–43; wage concessions at, 46

Wilson, “Shorty,” 163–64

Winkels, Pete, 13, 30, 58, 210; background, 47; on considering ending strike, 134; on crossovers, 283; on extended picketing, 143–46, 149; on the International’s strike fund, 118; letter to Minnesota AFL-CIO delegates, 82; on mediators’ proposal, 117, 121–22; on order to end strike, 202; on secondary boycott charges, 78; at trusteeship hearings, 231–36

Winpisinger, William, 191, 256, 284

Winter, Margaret, 162, 168, 200; acts to block trusteeship, handles suit of International, 241, 247–53; coaches Local P-9 officers for trusteeship hearings, 231; and First Amendment-secondary boycott issues, 81; on Hormel’s litigation, 155

Women Against Military Madness (WAMM), 196, 276

Wooster, Ray: presides over trusteeship hearings, 229–41; report to International on trusteeship, 248

Workers’ compensation, 23–24

Workers’ League, 114, 223

Wynn, William, vii, 15, 26, 50, 54, 82, 115, 141, 184, 225, 235–36; on Adopt-A-Family Fund, 118–19; at AFL-CIO meeting, 189–91; cancels awards dinner appearance, 255; considers trusteeship for Local P-9, 241; criticizes corporate campaign and Rogers, 27, 29, 201; encourages members to end strike, 130; on local vote on mediators’ proposal, 123; meets with Local P-9 executive board, 116–17; orders end to Hormel strike, 200–201; reacts to extended picketing, 150; statement of support for Local P-9 and extended picketing, 96–98

Yocum, Ron, 256

Youngdahl, Jim, 80, 102

Zack, Allen, 97, 190, 214, 243; on Arnold Zack, 152; on Hormel’s treatment of crossovers, 152; on Local P-9’s lawsuit against the International, 247, 249; prepares “Special Report” on Local P-9, 185–86

Zack, Arnold: on Allen Zack, 152; as fact-finder, 139, 143, 146, 158

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