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Story
The strike that changed a town
The Hormel meatpacking strike that tore apart Austin in the '80s, eventually transformed the demographics of the southeastern Minnesota town.
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Story
Settling in Austin
After the Hormel strike, immigrant workers moved to Austin for the meatpacking jobs. Austin is struggling with its own identity as a place that is now home to a growing Latino population.
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Story
Fear and nostalgia in a changing city
Immigrant workers continue to come to Austin seeking a better life. But the community is rife with tensions over cultural collisions and illegal immigrantion.
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Video
Bridging the gap
Jorge Pozos owns a popular taco truck in Austin. He's watched communities and cultures collide in other Midwest cities, but says the process of mutual accommodation is not impossible.
History of the Hormel strike
This month marks the 25th anniversary of the Hormel labor strike that tore apart the town of Austin. Read the story »
- Slideshow: Photos from the Hormel strike
- 08/14/1985 MPR report: Before the strike
- 08/15/1985 MPR report: Voting to strike
- 01/20/1986 MPR report: Sending in the National Guard
- 06/02/1986 MPR report: Strike ends, with Gary Eichten
Audio: Austin residents share their perspectives on immigration
Mayor Tom Stiehm
"I never said I was going to have an effort to kick people out. I said I was going to do whatever is best for Austin."
When a husband faces deportation
"You live thinking about what could happen to you, or what could happen to someone in your family."
Dustin Heckman, Mower County Historical Society
"You don't have as many migrant workers coming to this area. They're coming to permanently stay here. "
Where is Austin, Minnesota?
Sister Ruth Snyder
"The elderly population, I don't think they realize they need these younger families."
Officer Eric Blust
"Is it right that somebody is here illegally? I don't know. But is it right how we're enforcing it, too?"
Former P-9 union members
"They had a wing ding here for Cinco de Mayo and there wasn't one damn word published about Syttende Mai yesterday for the Norwegians."
About the project
MPR's Elizabeth Baier reports on the changing demographics in southeastern Minnesota. She has focused on how small-town nostalgia plays out when big, global issues come to town. Her interest in rural immigration inspired "Austin at a Crossroads."
Broadcast editor: Kate Smith
Web editor: Jennifer Ehrlich
Photographer: Jeffrey Thompson
Web producers: Nathaniel Minor, Elliot deBruyn, Than TibbettsAudio Archivists: Sylvia Mohn and Jenel Farrell
In The Spotlight
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The Current Music Blog
Your daily note for good music, news and pop culture. With attempted jokes.
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