DUBUQUE PACKING COMPANY - Revision history

Admin at 15:35, 8 January 2024

2024-01-08T15:35:07Z

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	In April 1982, officials of Dubuque Packing Company announced they would close the Dubuque plant on October 16th. This action had the potential of creating unemployment for 1,200 workers and possibly raising Dubuque's unemployment rate to 17.3 percent.		In April 1982, officials of Dubuque Packing Company announced they would close the Dubuque plant on October 16th. This action had the potential of creating unemployment for 1,200 workers and possibly raising Dubuque's unemployment rate to 17.3 percent.

	On May 12, 1982 United Food and Commercial Workers Local 150-A members voted to reject the company's latest 11-point benefit and concessions package. [[MAAS, Mel\|Mel MAAS]] stated the workers "had enough and decided the company was going to close the plant regardless." After the vote was taken, company president Chuck Stoltz was nearly hit by an eleven gallon pail of dye as he walked from the headquarters. The concessions would have included a drop of base wages from $9.00 to $8.00, a loss of a week in vacation time, a limit on yearly vacations to three weeks, and an increase in worker payment of their medical insurance. (11)		On May 12, 1982 United Food and Commercial Workers Local 150-A members voted to reject the company's latest 11-point benefit and concessions package. [[MAAS, Mel\|Mel MAAS]] stated the workers "had enough and decided the company was going to close the plant regardless." After the vote was taken, company president [[STOLTZ,_Charles\|Chuck Stoltz]] was nearly hit by an eleven gallon pail of dye as he walked from the headquarters. The concessions would have included a drop of base wages from $9.00 to $8.00, a loss of a week in vacation time, a limit on yearly vacations to three weeks, and an increase in worker payment of their medical insurance. (11)

	[[Image:lard.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|]]		[[Image:lard.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|]]

Randylyon at 02:57, 10 March 2023

2023-03-10T02:57:58Z

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	[[File:mknives.JPG\|~~200px~~\|thumb\|left\|thumb\|Several types of knives were used in the processing of meat. One has a ring and chain. The ring was worn on a finger to prevent the knife from slipping. The chain kept the often wet hand from sliding down the handle and onto the blade inflicting a serious wound. Different kinds of sharpeners are shown on the left.]]		[[File:mknives.JPG\|350px\|thumb\|left\|thumb\|Several types of knives were used in the processing of meat. One has a ring and chain. The ring was worn on a finger to prevent the knife from slipping. The chain kept the often wet hand from sliding down the handle and onto the blade inflicting a serious wound. Different kinds of sharpeners are shown on the left.]]

Randylyon at 02:57, 10 March 2023

2023-03-10T02:57:31Z

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	[[File:mknives.JPG\|200px\|thumb\|~~right~~\|thumb\|Several types of knives were used in the processing of meat. One has a ring and chain. The ring was worn on a finger to prevent the knife from slipping. The chain kept the often wet hand from sliding down the handle and onto the blade inflicting a serious wound. Different kinds of sharpeners are shown on the left.]]		[[File:mknives.JPG\|200px\|thumb\|left\|thumb\|Several types of knives were used in the processing of meat. One has a ring and chain. The ring was worn on a finger to prevent the knife from slipping. The chain kept the often wet hand from sliding down the handle and onto the blade inflicting a serious wound. Different kinds of sharpeners are shown on the left.]]

Randylyon at 02:55, 10 March 2023

2023-03-10T02:55:38Z

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	[[File:~~knives~~.JPG\|200px\|thumb\|right\|thumb\|Several types of knives were used in the processing of meat. One has a ring and chain. The ring was worn on a finger to prevent the knife from slipping. The chain kept the often wet hand from sliding down the handle and onto the blade inflicting a serious wound. Different kinds of sharpeners are shown on the left.]]		[[File:mknives.JPG\|200px\|thumb\|right\|thumb\|Several types of knives were used in the processing of meat. One has a ring and chain. The ring was worn on a finger to prevent the knife from slipping. The chain kept the often wet hand from sliding down the handle and onto the blade inflicting a serious wound. Different kinds of sharpeners are shown on the left.]]

Randylyon at 02:53, 10 March 2023

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			[[File:knives.JPG\|200px\|thumb\|right\|thumb\|Several types of knives were used in the processing of meat. One has a ring and chain. The ring was worn on a finger to prevent the knife from slipping. The chain kept the often wet hand from sliding down the handle and onto the blade inflicting a serious wound. Different kinds of sharpeners are shown on the left.]]

Randylyon at 20:26, 10 April 2022

2022-04-10T20:26:32Z

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Randylyon at 21:28, 19 December 2020

2020-12-19T21:28:47Z

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	[[Image:imp916.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Aerial view of the Dubuque Packing Company. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding]]		[[Image:imp916.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Aerial view of the Dubuque Packing Company. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding]]
			[[Image:rrcars.png\|left\|thumb\|350px\|New refrigerated railroad cars introduced by the company in 1952. Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]
	[[Image:packing-1.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|The early Dubuque Packing Company. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding]]		[[Image:packing-1.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|The early Dubuque Packing Company. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding]]
	DUBUQUE PACKING COMPANY. Once one of Dubuque's largest employers, the Dubuque Packing Company began with the merger in June 1891 of the [[DUBUQUE BUTCHERS' ASSOCIATION]] and the [[DUBUQUE PACKING AND PROVISION COMPANY]]. The new corporation, named the Dubuque Packing Company, began business on July 1, 1891, with a capitalization of $50,000. (1) The directors were [[SAUNDERS, Charles J. W.\|Charles J. W. SAUNDERS]], C. Steiber, L. Reinecke, and Christian Schmidt.		DUBUQUE PACKING COMPANY. Once one of Dubuque's largest employers, the Dubuque Packing Company began with the merger in June 1891 of the [[DUBUQUE BUTCHERS' ASSOCIATION]] and the [[DUBUQUE PACKING AND PROVISION COMPANY]]. The new corporation, named the Dubuque Packing Company, began business on July 1, 1891, with a capitalization of $50,000. (1) The directors were [[SAUNDERS, Charles J. W.\|Charles J. W. SAUNDERS]], C. Steiber, L. Reinecke, and Christian Schmidt.

Randylyon at 17:55, 13 January 2020

2020-01-13T17:55:35Z

Randylyon at 03:50, 16 December 2019

2019-12-16T03:50:14Z

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	DUBUQUE PACKING COMPANY. Once one of Dubuque's largest employers, the Dubuque Packing Company began with the merger in June 1891 of the [[DUBUQUE BUTCHERS' ASSOCIATION]] and the [[DUBUQUE PACKING AND PROVISION COMPANY]]. The new corporation, named the Dubuque Packing Company, began business on July 1, 1891, with a capitalization of $50,000.(1) The directors were [[SAUNDERS, Charles J. W.\|Charles J. W. SAUNDERS]], C. Steiber, L. Reinecke, and Christian Schmidt.		DUBUQUE PACKING COMPANY. Once one of Dubuque's largest employers, the Dubuque Packing Company began with the merger in June 1891 of the [[DUBUQUE BUTCHERS' ASSOCIATION]] and the [[DUBUQUE PACKING AND PROVISION COMPANY]]. The new corporation, named the Dubuque Packing Company, began business on July 1, 1891, with a capitalization of $50,000.(1) The directors were [[SAUNDERS, Charles J. W.\|Charles J. W. SAUNDERS]], C. Steiber, L. Reinecke, and Christian Schmidt.

	In 1931 the local meat supplier was purchased by [[WAHLERT, H. W. (~~HARRY~~)\|H. W. (~~HARRY~~) WAHLERT]] and St. Louis interests from the Christian Schmitt family for $180,000 when it employed only sixty people. The new firm was incorporated for $400,000 with $300,000 in common stock and $100,000 in preferred. (2) Harry Wahlert was the president, B. M. Paar was vice-president and treasurer, and Fred Krey of St. Louis was another vice-president. (3) Before its reopening, the plant underwent a massive renovation including the installation of special tables with "mono-metal" tops, extra windows, extra refrigeration, and the construction of rooms where hides and other inedibles were kept separate from the other parts of the building. (4) Growing rapidly through the [[GREAT DEPRESSION]], largely through Wahlert's guidance, "the Pack" produced canned hams, the first American food product to be exported after [[WORLD WAR II]]. (5)		In 1931 the local meat supplier was purchased by [[WAHLERT, H. W. (Harry)\|H. W. (Harry) WAHLERT]] and St. Louis interests from the Christian Schmitt family for $180,000 when it employed only sixty people. The new firm was incorporated for $400,000 with $300,000 in common stock and $100,000 in preferred. (2) Harry Wahlert was the president, B. M. Paar was vice-president and treasurer, and Fred Krey of St. Louis was another vice-president. (3) Before its reopening, the plant underwent a massive renovation including the installation of special tables with "mono-metal" tops, extra windows, extra refrigeration, and the construction of rooms where hides and other inedibles were kept separate from the other parts of the building. (4) Growing rapidly through the [[GREAT DEPRESSION]], largely through Wahlert's guidance, "the Pack" produced canned hams, the first American food product to be exported after [[WORLD WAR II]]. (5)

	[[Image:lard2.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Photo courtesy: Jim Massey]]		[[Image:lard2.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Photo courtesy: Jim Massey]]
			[[Image:liver.png\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Photo courtesy: Jim Massey]]
	[[File:jobposter.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|left\|Job poster. Image courtesy: https://www.facebook.com/130170407077838/photos/a.560605110701030.1073741841.130170407077838/589430171151857/?type=1&theater]]		[[File:jobposter.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|left\|Job poster. Image courtesy: https://www.facebook.com/130170407077838/photos/a.560605110701030.1073741841.130170407077838/589430171151857/?type=1&theater]]
	By the 1950s, Dubuque Packing Company was the second largest employer in the city. (6) In the 1960s the company's workforce reached 3,500. Annual sales in the 1970s supported a payroll of $20 million. (7) The end of the 1970s saw thousands of people dependent on Dubuque Pack either directly or indirectly; wages won through negotiations were among the highest paid in the city. In 1980 "the Pack" was a major force in the economy of Dubuque, one of nine cities nationwide in which the company had plants. Workers "on the line" earned an average of $25,000 in annual wages plus an additional $11,000 in fringe benefits according to company estimates. This included an average of five weeks of vacation per year. At its peak, the company's sales approached $2 billion and it had 12 plants. It was the 3rd largest beef slaughter in the United States. (8)		By the 1950s, Dubuque Packing Company was the second largest employer in the city. (6) In the 1960s the company's workforce reached 3,500. Annual sales in the 1970s supported a payroll of $20 million. (7) The end of the 1970s saw thousands of people dependent on Dubuque Pack either directly or indirectly; wages won through negotiations were among the highest paid in the city. In 1980 "the Pack" was a major force in the economy of Dubuque, one of nine cities nationwide in which the company had plants. Workers "on the line" earned an average of $25,000 in annual wages plus an additional $11,000 in fringe benefits according to company estimates. This included an average of five weeks of vacation per year. At its peak, the company's sales approached $2 billion and it had 12 plants. It was the 3rd largest beef slaughter in the United States. (8)

Randylyon at 00:57, 21 October 2018

2018-10-21T00:57:22Z

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	[[File:mknives.JPG\|~~200px~~\|thumb\|left\|thumb\|Several types of knives were used in the processing of meat. One has a ring and chain. The ring was worn on a finger to prevent the knife from slipping. The chain kept the often wet hand from sliding down the handle and onto the blade inflicting a serious wound. Different kinds of sharpeners are shown on the left.]]		[[File:mknives.JPG\|350px\|thumb\|left\|thumb\|Several types of knives were used in the processing of meat. One has a ring and chain. The ring was worn on a finger to prevent the knife from slipping. The chain kept the often wet hand from sliding down the handle and onto the blade inflicting a serious wound. Different kinds of sharpeners are shown on the left.]]

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	[[File:mknives.JPG\|200px\|thumb\|~~right~~\|thumb\|Several types of knives were used in the processing of meat. One has a ring and chain. The ring was worn on a finger to prevent the knife from slipping. The chain kept the often wet hand from sliding down the handle and onto the blade inflicting a serious wound. Different kinds of sharpeners are shown on the left.]]		[[File:mknives.JPG\|200px\|thumb\|left\|thumb\|Several types of knives were used in the processing of meat. One has a ring and chain. The ring was worn on a finger to prevent the knife from slipping. The chain kept the often wet hand from sliding down the handle and onto the blade inflicting a serious wound. Different kinds of sharpeners are shown on the left.]]

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	[[File:~~knives~~.JPG\|200px\|thumb\|right\|thumb\|Several types of knives were used in the processing of meat. One has a ring and chain. The ring was worn on a finger to prevent the knife from slipping. The chain kept the often wet hand from sliding down the handle and onto the blade inflicting a serious wound. Different kinds of sharpeners are shown on the left.]]		[[File:mknives.JPG\|200px\|thumb\|right\|thumb\|Several types of knives were used in the processing of meat. One has a ring and chain. The ring was worn on a finger to prevent the knife from slipping. The chain kept the often wet hand from sliding down the handle and onto the blade inflicting a serious wound. Different kinds of sharpeners are shown on the left.]]

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			[[File:knives.JPG\|200px\|thumb\|right\|thumb\|Several types of knives were used in the processing of meat. One has a ring and chain. The ring was worn on a finger to prevent the knife from slipping. The chain kept the often wet hand from sliding down the handle and onto the blade inflicting a serious wound. Different kinds of sharpeners are shown on the left.]]

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	[[Image:imp916.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Aerial view of the Dubuque Packing Company. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding]]		[[Image:imp916.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Aerial view of the Dubuque Packing Company. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding]]
	[[Image:packing-1.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|The early Dubuque Packing Company. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding]]		[[Image:packing-1.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|The early Dubuque Packing Company. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding]]
	DUBUQUE PACKING COMPANY. Once one of Dubuque's largest employers, the Dubuque Packing Company began with the merger in June 1891 of the [[DUBUQUE BUTCHERS' ASSOCIATION]] and the [[DUBUQUE PACKING AND PROVISION COMPANY]]. The new corporation, named the Dubuque Packing Company, began business on July 1, 1891, with a capitalization of $50,000.(1) The directors were [[SAUNDERS, Charles J. W.\|Charles J. W. SAUNDERS]], C. Steiber, L. Reinecke, and Christian Schmidt.		DUBUQUE PACKING COMPANY. Once one of Dubuque's largest employers, the Dubuque Packing Company began with the merger in June 1891 of the [[DUBUQUE BUTCHERS' ASSOCIATION]] and the [[DUBUQUE PACKING AND PROVISION COMPANY]]. The new corporation, named the Dubuque Packing Company, began business on July 1, 1891, with a capitalization of $50,000. (1) The directors were [[SAUNDERS, Charles J. W.\|Charles J. W. SAUNDERS]], C. Steiber, L. Reinecke, and Christian Schmidt.

	In 1931 the local meat supplier was purchased by [[WAHLERT, H. W. (Harry)\|H. W. (Harry) WAHLERT]] and St. Louis interests from the Christian Schmitt family for $180,000 when it employed only sixty people. The new firm was incorporated for $400,000 with $300,000 in common stock and $100,000 in preferred. (2) Harry Wahlert was the ~~president, B. M. Paar was vice-president and treasurer, and Fred Krey of St. Louis was another vice-~~president. (3) Before its reopening, the plant underwent a massive renovation including the installation of special tables with "mono-metal" tops, extra windows, extra refrigeration, and the construction of rooms where hides and other inedibles were kept separate from the other parts of the building. (4) Growing rapidly through the [[GREAT DEPRESSION]], largely through Wahlert's guidance, "the Pack" produced canned hams, the first American food product to be exported after [[WORLD WAR II]]. (5)		In 1931 the local meat supplier was purchased by [[WAHLERT, H. W. (Harry)\|H. W. (Harry) WAHLERT]] and St. Louis interests from the Christian Schmitt family for $180,000 when it employed only sixty people. The new firm was incorporated for $400,000 with $300,000 in common stock and $100,000 in preferred. (2) Harry Wahlert was the president. (3) Before its reopening, the plant underwent a massive renovation including the installation of special tables with "mono-metal" tops, extra windows, extra refrigeration, and the construction of rooms where hides and other inedibles were kept separate from the other parts of the building. (4) Growing rapidly through the [[GREAT DEPRESSION]], largely through Wahlert's guidance, "the Pack" produced canned hams, the first American food product to be exported after [[WORLD WAR II]]. (5)

	[[Image:lard2.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Photo courtesy: Jim Massey]]		[[Image:lard2.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Photo courtesy: Jim Massey]]
	[[Image:liver.png\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Photo courtesy: Jim Massey]]		[[Image:liver.png\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Photo courtesy: Jim Massey]]
	[[File:jobposter.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|left\|Job poster. Image courtesy: https://www.facebook.com/130170407077838/photos/a.560605110701030.1073741841.130170407077838/589430171151857/?type=1&theater]]		[[File:jobposter.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|left\|Job poster. Image courtesy: https://www.facebook.com/130170407077838/photos/a.560605110701030.1073741841.130170407077838/589430171151857/?type=1&theater]]
	By the 1950s, Dubuque Packing Company was the second largest employer ~~in the city~~. (6) In the 1960s the company's workforce reached 3,500. Annual sales in the 1970s supported a payroll of $20 million. (7) The end of the 1970s saw thousands of people dependent on Dubuque Pack either directly or indirectly; wages won through negotiations were among the highest paid in the city. In 1980 "the Pack" was a major force in the economy of Dubuque, one of nine cities nationwide in which the company had plants. Workers "on the line" earned an average of $25,000 in annual wages plus an additional $11,000 in fringe benefits according to company estimates. This included an average of five weeks of vacation per year. At its peak, the company's sales approached $2 billion and it had 12 plants. It was the 3rd largest beef slaughter in the United States. (8)		By the 1950s, Dubuque Packing Company was the city's second largest employer. (6) In the 1960s the company's workforce reached 3,500. Annual sales in the 1970s supported a payroll of $20 million. (7) The end of the 1970s saw thousands of people dependent on Dubuque Pack either directly or indirectly; wages won through negotiations were among the highest paid in the city. In 1980 "the Pack" was a major force in the economy of Dubuque, one of nine cities nationwide in which the company had plants. Workers "on the line" earned an average of $25,000 in annual wages plus an additional $11,000 in fringe benefits according to company estimates. This included an average of five weeks of vacation per year. At its peak, the company's sales approached $2 billion and it had 12 plants. It was the 3rd largest beef slaughter in the United States. (8)

	The company was also recognized for the quality of ~~the~~ products ~~they made~~. In 1960 and 1961 the company won gold medals at the California state fairs for their canned hams. ~~They~~ also became one of the largest suppliers of kosher meat in the United States. (9)		The company was also recognized for the quality of its products. In 1960 and 1961 the company won gold medals at the California state fairs for their canned hams. The company also became one of the largest suppliers of kosher meat in the United States. (9)
	[[Image:imp111.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Dubuque Packing Company advertising. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding]]		[[Image:imp111.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Dubuque Packing Company advertising. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding]]
	[[Image:badge.jpg\|right\|thumb\|200px\|Employee identification badge.]]~~Other facts about the company were equally impressive.~~		[[Image:badge.jpg\|right\|thumb\|200px\|Employee identification badge.]]

	[[Image:imp457.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Letterhead: Photo courtesy: Bob Reding]]		[[Image:imp457.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Letterhead: Photo courtesy: Bob Reding]]
	[[File:servicepin.png\|200px\|thumb\|left\|Years of service pin.]]In 1980 the company claimed to have lost $9.9 million primarily through its beef operations. Of the 115 men working in the beef kill, the youngest had 21 years of seniority resulting in a large number of benefits the company had to pay. The company wanted the production standard increased from 115.8 head of cattle per hour ~~increased~~ to 160. Union officials noted that with incentive pay, the workers were already slaughtering more than 115.8 but not 160. Union officials acknowledged that the company could build a one-story facility increasing efficiency over the five-story Dubuque plant ~~were~~ carcasses had to be moved from floor to floor. They also agreed that the company would probably gain from property tax concessions from any community near a new plant and that younger workers would cost less.		[[File:servicepin.png\|200px\|thumb\|left\|Years of service pin.]]In 1980 the company claimed to have lost $9.9 million primarily through its beef operations. Of the 115 men working in the beef kill, the youngest had 21 years of seniority resulting in a large number of benefits the company had to pay. The company wanted the production standard increased from 115.8 head of cattle per hour to 160. Union officials noted that with incentive pay, the workers were already slaughtering more than 115.8 but not 160. Union officials acknowledged that the company could build a one-story facility increasing efficiency over the five-story Dubuque plant where carcasses had to be moved from floor to floor. They also agreed that the company would probably gain from property tax concessions from any community near a new plant and that younger workers would cost less.

	[[Image:dpcpolice.jpg\|right\|thumb\|250px\|Company police badge.]]		[[Image:dpcpolice.jpg\|right\|thumb\|250px\|Company police badge.]]
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	[[Image:lard.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|]]		[[Image:lard.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|]]
	News of the closing caught city officials by surprise. Union workers at the Pack had taken a 15.8 percent cut in pay and health insurance and given up some vacation time in October 1981 to keep the plant open. The City had given the company a 20 percent reduction in its property tax assessment on buildings in addition to a 38 percent reduction in its machinery assessment. Company officials would not discuss potential sale of the plant in the announcement.		News of the closing caught city officials by surprise. Union workers at the Pack had taken a 15.8 percent cut in pay and health insurance and given up some vacation time in October 1981 to keep the plant open. The City had given the company a 20 percent reduction in its property tax assessment on buildings in addition to a 38 percent reduction in its machinery assessment. Company officials would not discuss the potential sale of the plant in the announcement.

	[[Image:dubpack2006.jpg\|right\|thumb\|250px\|Dubuque Pack being demolished in May 2006]]		[[Image:dubpack2006.jpg\|right\|thumb\|250px\|Dubuque Pack being demolished in May 2006]]
	In the fall of 1982, amid charges of union busting, the company sold the pork operation in Rochelle, Illinois and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Dubuque plant, and fleur-de-lis trademark to [[WAHLERT, Robert Henry\|Robert Henry WAHLERT]] and the newly created [[FDL FOODS INC.]], for $30.5 million. (12) The sale resulted in approximately five hundred employees being forced to accept lower wages or early retirement.		In the fall of 1982, amid charges of union busting, the company sold the pork operation in Rochelle, Illinois and Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Dubuque plant; and fleur-de-lis trademark to [[WAHLERT, Robert Henry\|Robert Henry WAHLERT]] and the newly created [[FDL FOODS INC.]], for $30.5 million. (12) The sale resulted in approximately five hundred employees being forced to accept lower wages or early retirement.

	[[Image:punchpack.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|]]		[[Image:punchpack.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|]]
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	The U. S. Court of Appeals said that the case posed "hard questions--some of the most polarizing questions in contemporary labor law." It then referred the case back to the NLRB for clarification of the bargaining obligation issue. The ruling placed the burden of proof on the employers as to why they should be free of bargaining with their unions when they chose to relocate. (15)		The U. S. Court of Appeals said that the case posed "hard questions--some of the most polarizing questions in contemporary labor law." It then referred the case back to the NLRB for clarification of the bargaining obligation issue. The ruling placed the burden of proof on the employers as to why they should be free of bargaining with their unions when they chose to relocate. (15)

	FDL officials announced in July, 1993 that there was an agreement to supply Hormel Foods Corporation with pork products through 1998. This, however, only lasted until July 27, 1995 announced it would stop buying in September. The plant was closed and 925 workers, half of its workforce, was laid off. (16)		FDL officials announced in July, 1993 that there was an agreement to supply Hormel Foods Corporation with pork products through 1998. This, however, only lasted until July 27, 1995 when Hormel announced it would stop buying in September. The Dubuque plant was closed and 925 workers, half of its workforce, was laid off. (16)

	FDL officials believed they had a buyer for the plant, only to see [[FARMLAND FOODS INC.]] pull out the negotiations. The following week FDL and Iowa Beef Producers, Inc. announced a tentative agreement. The closing date for the purchase, however, passed ~~with out~~ news. On January 24, 1994 IBP reduced its bid for the plant from $15 million to $9.9 million. IBP officials later sued claiming that Wahlert had verbally agreed to the deal. On April 1 1996 a federal court judge ruled IBP did not have sufficient proof. While the case proceeded, local economic development officials resumed talks with Farmland. An agreement was signed in February, 1996 and production resumed in September 1996 until 2001. (17)		FDL officials believed they had a buyer for the plant, only to see [[FARMLAND FOODS INC.]] pull out the negotiations. The following week FDL and Iowa Beef Producers, Inc. announced a tentative agreement. The closing date for the purchase, however, passed without news. On January 24, 1994 IBP reduced its bid for the plant from $15 million to $9.9 million. IBP officials later sued claiming that Wahlert had verbally agreed to the deal. On April 1 1996 a federal court judge ruled IBP did not have sufficient proof. While the case proceeded, local economic development officials resumed talks with Farmland. An agreement was signed in February, 1996 and production resumed in September 1996 until 2001. (17)

	John Morell & Company, a subsidiary of Smithfield Foods, purchased the plant in June, 2000 with the stated intention of refurbishing and reopening the plant. However Smithfield decided not to proceed with either remodeling or reopening the plant. This led to the belief that it only purchased the plant to remove competition from the market. (18)		John Morell & Company, a subsidiary of Smithfield Foods, purchased the plant in June, 2000 with the stated intention of refurbishing and reopening the plant. However Smithfield decided not to proceed with either remodeling or reopening the plant. This led to the belief that it only purchased the plant to remove competition from the market. (18)
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	In 2005 local developer [[BRIGGS, Wayne\|Wayne BRIGGS]] purchased the plant and thirty acres and announced his plans to tear down the plant and redevelop the site as a shopping center. This new shopping center would have national retailers and would give the northeastern parts of the city more shopping options. The Dubuque County zoning board gave their approval to the plans and on March 21, 2005 the city council approved the rezoning of the site. (19)		In 2005 local developer [[BRIGGS, Wayne\|Wayne BRIGGS]] purchased the plant and thirty acres and announced his plans to tear down the plant and redevelop the site as a shopping center. This new shopping center would have national retailers and would give the northeastern parts of the city more shopping options. The Dubuque County zoning board gave their approval to the plans and on March 21, 2005 the city council approved the rezoning of the site. (19)

	By October 1, 2006, the buildings were totally demolished. For a brief period of time, the land was the source of interest from the [[DUBUQUE COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT]] which wanted to construct a new middle school on the site.		By October 1, 2006, the buildings were totally demolished. For a brief period of time, the land was the source of interest from the [[DUBUQUE COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT]] which wanted to construct a new middle school on the site. In 2020 much of the land remained undeveloped.

	See: [[LABOR MOVEMENT]]		See: [[LABOR MOVEMENT]]