Strikes: New Violence in a Lost Cause

New Violence in a Lost Cause

"We're no longer talking about a labor dispute," charged Police Chief Donald $ Hoffman in Austin, Minn. "We're talking about an out-and-out riot." He was referring to the worst outbreak of violence in the eight-month-old strike against George A. Hormel & Co., one of the nation's largest meat- packers. Although operations resumed in January with nonunion workers and the strike seemed increasingly futile, some 350 demonstrators last week tried to block access to the plant. When more than 100 police tried to clear the way for workers, the clash erupted, with officers propelling tear gas and demonstrators spraying Mace. Eight policemen...

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