In 1989, International Falls, Minnesota, became the epicenter of a significant labor dispute that culminated in what is now referred to as the “Boise Riot.” This event was marked by intense confrontations between unionized local workers and non-union laborers brought in for a major construction project at the Boise Cascade paper mill.
Boise Cascade, a leading paper manufacturer, embarked on a $535 million expansion of its paper mill in International Falls, aiming to construct one of North America’s largest paper mills. To manage this substantial project, the company hired BE&K Construction, a non-union firm based in Birmingham, Alabama. This decision was met with immediate resistance from local union workers, who perceived the move as a direct threat to their employment opportunities and a challenge to the region’s strong labor traditions.
The situation deteriorated over several months. Union workers initiated a wildcat strike in mid-July 1989, protesting the influx of non-union laborers. Picket lines were established, and tensions ran high as the community became increasingly divided. Local businesses experienced an economic boom due to the influx of workers, further exacerbating feelings of betrayal among union members and their families.
The conflict reached its peak on September 9, 1989. In the early hours, approximately 500 union supporters gathered and marched toward the temporary housing complex accommodating non-union workers. They dismantled a chain-link fence, overwhelmed the limited police presence, and proceeded to overturn cars and set trailers ablaze. Law enforcement resorted to using tear gas to disperse the crowd. The confrontation resulted in around 40 arrests and a dozen injuries.
Despite the unrest, the construction project was completed ahead of schedule, and the expanded mill began operations, significantly boosting Boise Cascade’s productivity. However, the events left deep scars within the community. The local population declined from 10,000 to 8,300, and lingering resentment persisted among union supporters who felt betrayed by both the company and local businesses that had profited during the construction period.
Reflecting on the incident years later, community members expressed a mix of regret and hope for healing. Some in the area noted that while similar labor upheavals had occurred in the past and were eventually forgotten, the 1989 events remained fresh in collective memory even 20 years later. There is optimism that, in time, the city would move past the divisions caused by the riot.
The 1989 Boise Riot stands as a poignant example of the complexities inherent in labor relations and the profound impact such disputes can have on small communities. It serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between economic development and the preservation of local labor traditions.
