Hormel Foods meatpacking workers reject company's offer

Meatpacking workers at Hormel Foods' Austin plant have voted to reject the company's final offer, citing dissatisfaction with wages and benefits. The workers, represented by UFCW Local 663, are demanding a fair agreement that reflects Hormel's record profits. Both parties have agreed to a contract extension until October 8 as negotiations continue. The Austin plant has over 1,700 union members, and concerns about the potential impact of a strike on the local economy have been raised. However, some workers remain hopeful that a fair deal can be reached without resorting to a strike.