On Jan. 11, the UFCW responded to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) release of two studies that examine the impact of line speeds on poultry and swine workers.
“Our members work tirelessly every day in America’s pork and poultry plants, helping families put food on the table,” UFCW International President Marc Perrone said in a statement. “We have always understood that these jobs are not just essential, they are dangerous, and they are difficult.”
“These USDA studies reaffirm what we have long known – that poultry and swine slaughter poses serious risk to workers, regardless of line speed,” Perrone added. “We must take stronger action to protect these workers and ensure the safety of our food supply chain. The UFCW is calling for a full range of safety measures, including additional staffing, improved reporting of workplace injuries, expanded access to early and adequate medical treatment, and job modifications that minimize ergonomic stressors. Employers and government officials must recognize the direct link between worker safety and the safety of our food. Protecting the workers who feed America must be a priority.”
The USDA’s poultry and swine processing line speed evaluation studies are available here and here.