Meat Plant Returns to Partial Production

Officials of Farmer John Meat Co. in Vernon said the firm was back in partial production Thursday for the first time since nearly 1,000 meat cutters went on strike Oct. 1.

But leaders of the striking United Food and Commercial Workers Local 274 disputed the company’s estimates of its production.

Normally, Farmer John, a subsidiary of the Clougherty Packing Co., kills up to 5,800 hogs a day, making it the largest pork-processing plant on the West Coast.

Company President Joseph Clougherty said nearly 280 strikers had returned to their jobs by Wednesday, and that they killed 1,000 hogs on the first day.

Don Holeman, president of Local 274, said that fewer than 100 strikers have crossed picket lines, and only 300 hogs were killed during the walkout.

No bargaining sessions have been held since the walkout began, and none is scheduled.

The strike is over wages and fringe benefits, with the pension plan one of the key issues.