Abstract

Hunger Striking in the Corn Belt

This article focuses on the lockout of the corn company of A.E. Staley. The rotating shifts were part of the company's best and final offer to workers in 1992 contract negotiations-that along with a rollback of twelve years of contractual benefits, work rules and grievance procedures. Harsh discipline had been meted out for minor infractions. Injuries had increased because routine safety procedures were disregarded, and complaints on the part of workers-even reporting to first-aid stations-were met with punishment. By attacking the eight-hour day, Staley management was trying to force its workers to strike. Productivity was drastically reduced, and on June 27, 1993, Staley locked out its 750 union employees and took on scabs.