Guard Out of Austin
1986 1986-02Read it in the scan (PDF at ETOL), page 6 →
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(continued from page elsewhere in Austin, P-9 picket teams were dispatched by radio to confront them.
When word came at 2:00 p.m. that the cops were attempting to open gate No.1 at the Hormel plant, the loudspeaker at the union hall sounded the alarm, and within 15 minutes the P-9-picket at the gate grew from three to 60 pickets, with another 25 hor-honking cars surrounding the gate.
The blockade at the plant gates included sizeable contingents of unionists from all across Minnesota and surrounding states. The electrical workers' union in Minneapolis (Local 292), for example, sent two busloads to Austin.
Hormel is hurting
Despite its denials, Hormel is hurting. Local P-9's President Jim Guyette said that the union's efforts have cut Hormel's production by as much as 75 percent.
At the company's Ottumwa, Iowa, plant, which accounts for 18 percent of Hormel's production, the entire workforce has refused to cross picket lines set up by roving picket squads of Local P-9 members. The plant is now totally shut down.
At Hormel's Fremont, Neb., plant, which also accounts for 18 percent of total production, 100 Hormel workers (out of 850) have refused to cross P-9 picket lines. Significantly, rail workers and gas tank drivers are refusing to cross picket lines to deliver CO2 gas, which is used in the plant operation. Reports indicate that the plant is now out of COz gas.
At the company's Dubuque, Iowa, Socialist Action Forums:
Boston: 'Fight Against Concessions' Speaker: Jake Cooper Sunday, Feb. 9, 7:00 p.m.
169 Mass. Ave., Boston Los Angeles: 'Crisis in Philippines' Film: 'This Bloody, Blundering Business' Speaker: Bob Capistrano Sat., Feb. 22, 7:30 p.m.
People's College of Law 660 S. Bonnie Brae, Los Angeles 6 SOCIALIST ACTION operation, the union reports that the killand-cut division is totally shut down.
The day before the Jan. 30 blockade, Gov. Perpich ordered the 800 National Guard troops at the plant withdrawn. The Guards' number was also reduced to 500.
This move appeared to be motivated by the growing public criticism of the governor's decision to send in the National Guard. One Minnesota radio station found public sentiment running 200 to 1 against the Guards' presence in Austin.
Still, the troops remain stationed at an armory within five minutes of the Austin plant, ready to return if called.
Hormel has responded to the spreading strike solidarity with its customary arrogance-announcing that all who honor the picket lines will be fired. Similarly, Hormel says that scabs hired during the strike will keep their jobs, regardless of any final settlement. Here in Austin, reports indicate that the company has hired as many as 500 scabs, and perhaps 200 members of Local P-9 ("P-10ers," as they are called) have crossed the picket line.
P-9 stands by workers Local P-9 President Jim Guyette responded that P-9 will stand by those workers who have struck in solidarity. "The FEBRUARY 1986 4024de
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ACTION STOI HORMEL FOW P.9 IN ON IKE