Hormel Strike Calms; Troops Begin to Leave
Authorities began withdrawing some National Guard troops from the Hormel meatpacking plant Friday after a rally for Hormel strikers drew only 120 people, a quarter of the number who turned out a week ago.
“I think that support (for the union) is lacking,” Police Chief Don Hoffman said after the demonstration. “What they’re losing is a lot of support for their cause throughout the state. I’m sure the arrests had something to do with it.”
The first 200 of the 800 guardsmen began leaving Friday, said Capt. Lucy Kender, a spokeswoman for the guard in St. Paul. Although officials believe the situation is less volatile, the troops could be brought back if needed, she said.
About 100 guardsmen had been kept at the Geo. A. Hormel & Co. plant in recent days. The facility has been the site of a bitter 5 1/2-month-old strike over wages and working conditions.
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