How a bitter strike and immigrant labor transformed Hormel's hometown

[Omaha Steve]

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/how-a-bitter-strike-and-immigrant-labor-transformed-hormels-hometown

Oct 1, 2025 6:35 PM EDT

Amna Nawaz:

Well, no single industry in the American economy relies more on immigrant labor than livestock and meat production.

The shift began a half-century ago as the influence of labor unions and wages declined.

Fred de Sam Lazaro reports on how this change has played out in one Minnesota community that witnessed a landmark strike 40 years ago.

Fred de Sam Lazaro:

Austin, Minnesota, has all the postcard touches of small-town America, ringing church bells, quiet streets and weeknight football practice under the big water tower.

FULL story and video at link above.

The Spam strike happened while I was a paid picket for the Hinky Dinky strike. It was the first work I had in a couple of years, after being fired for union organizing. I won my case and 4 years back pay. The company kept the union out.