On April 10, 1986, police use tear gas on workers protesting the Hormel Foods company. Minneapolis Star Tribune negatives collection, box 596 (Hormel strike images).

The Academy Award-winning documentary film American Dream, directed by Barbara Kopple, chronicles the Hormel strike, exploring the human cost of the economic decline in America’s heartland. Kopple captured the tension between the strikers, the parent union, and Hormel through failed negotiations and demonstrations. The film shows P-9 members banding together to help each other as the strike dragged on. American Dream also follows union infighting, fights with replacement workers, and P9’s hiring of consultant Ray Rogers, who specialized in union strategizing and gaining public support. Used with the permission of Barbara Kopple.

Local P-9 Hormel strike button worn by member of the United Foods and Commercial Workers International Union, Local P-9, to protest at the Hormel plant in Austin, Minnesota, 1985–1986.

Hormel strike button worn by a member of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, Local P-9, to protest at the Hormel plant in Austin, Minnesota, 1985–1986.

Hormel strike button worn by a member of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, Local P-9, to protest at the Hormel plant in Austin, Minnesota, 1985–1986.

Local P-9 Hormel strike picket sign used by Vernon P. Gavin, a member of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, Local P-9, to protest at the Hormel plant in Austin, Minnesota, 1985–1986.

T-shirt worn by Marion Hersey of Minneapolis in support of the Hormel strikes, ca. 1985.

Demonstrators protest Hormel’s practice of hiring non-union workers. Minneapolis Star Tribune negatives collection, box 596 (Hormel strike images).

On April 10, 1986, union members from around the nation show support for striking Hormel employees by marching and protesting alongside Local P-9 union members. Minneapolis Star Tribune negatives collection, box 596 (Hormel strike images).

On April 10, 1986, citizens on motorcycles lead a protest march in Austin. P-9 mobilized their members and the Austin community to take their fight for a living wage and safe working conditions to the national stage with the help of national media attention. Union activists joined their fight, coming from across the country to participate in picketing, demonstrations, and rallies. Minneapolis Star Tribune negatives collection, box 596 (Hormel strike images).