Rath Packing Company

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George John Rath (b. 1821) was a merchant based in Dubuque, Iowa. He eventually expanded into a pork packing operation, and in 1891, his son E.R. Rath and cousin, John W. Rath, opened the Rath Packing Company in Waterloo, Iowa. The company focused on hogs, beef, and lamb, and thrived throughout the early 20th century. By 1941, Rath had grown into the nation's single largest facilities with branches in 12 states.

During the post-war period, the company faced labor troubles. There was a strike and riot in 1948, and the 1960s and 1970s saw rising wages and lower profits. In 1980, Local 41 of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union negotiated a plan that gave them control of Rath's board of directors. Rath operated at a loss, 1981-1983, and ceased operations in 1985.

From the description of Records, 1930-1984. (Iowa State University). WorldCat record id: 44138165

Archival Resources
Role Title Holding Repository
referencedIn Wharton School. Industrial Research Unit. Records, 1941-2001 (bulk, 1968-1988). Hagley Museum & Library
creatorOf Rath Packing Company. Records, 1930-1984. Iowa State University, Parks Library
referencedIn Archives Organization File, pt. 5. Additional Company Documents. Cornell University Library
Role Title Holding Repository
Relation Name
associatedWith Wharton School. Industrial Research Unit. corporateBody
Place Name Admin Code Country
United States
Cedar Rapids (Iowa)
Iowa
Subject
Advertising
Meat industry and trade
Packing houses
Packing-house workers
Occupation
Activity

Corporate Body

Active 1930

Active 1984

Information

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SNAC ID: 29337843