American Notes Strikes

"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 required treatment for eye and head injuries, and 17 protesters, 11 from outside Minnesota, were arrested.

Tensions died down by Saturday, when 2,500 union members and their supporters from around the nation joined the dwindling band of Austin strikers for a peaceful parade and rally in the small city (pop. 23,000). The police kept out of sight as both the march and a subsequent rally went off without a violent incident.