An Historical Lesson in Economic and Union Policies

The Hormel Strike of 1985-1986

By: Mikki Morrissette

Outlets: Minnesota Women's Press

Published: June 2, 2026

Words: 1,768

Last Updated: 1 week, 1 day ago

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At the Eastside Freedom Library in Saint Paul, a deep collection of books — and conversations — center around labor history. I sat in on a group discussion about the year-long Hormel strike of 1985-86 in Austin, Minnesota, for a course about “Social Movements in Minnesota History” led by labor historian Peter Rachleff, and learned a lot. Here is a quick summary.

The story of the Hormel strike of 1985 …

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