to register workers' sentiment

More context would help. Why not give a link to the whole article, Fansy?

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E01E6DD1130F931A35756C0A9609C8B63
The above is the website for the article "IMMIGRANTS TAKE TO U.S. STREETS IN SHOW OF STRENGTH"
My question is in paragraph 17.

It's still kinda hard to tell, Fansy.

I think that it means those employers who were supportive of the ideals of the demonstrators tried to get their workers to do things that would still show their support for the demonstration but would do so in a manner that was less disruptive manner to their businesses.