UFCW Applauds OSHA for Helping Poultry Workers Stand Up for Safer Work Conditions
Washington, D.C. – Today, the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), the primary union for poultry workers, released the following statement in response to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration’s (OSHA) finding of nearly two dozen health and safety violations at Pilgrim’s Pride. This is the first time a poultry company has been cited for medical mismanagement of work-related injuries.
“We are disappointed to see yet another example of poultry workers being mistreated and forced to endure harsh working conditions,” said UFCW International President Marc Perrone. “Unions provide poultry workers with one of the best ways to improve their safety on the job because we create an environment where people know their rights and feel empowered to speak up. We make sure that workers can advocate for their well-being without the fear of being fired. As we strive to improve poultry industry jobs, we applaud OSHA for actively supporting the right of every worker to have a safe workplace.”
At Pilgrim’s Pride and JBS poultry plants where workers are represented by the UFCW, we have partnered with both companies to provide educational training on safety issues. The trainings are conducted by UFCW’s Occupational Safety and Health Office.
BACKGROUND
- UFCW represents more than 70,000 poultry workers.
- In 2015, Case Farms, a leading supplier of fast food and supermarket chicken, racked up nearly $1.9 million in proposed fines following inspections at multiple facilities.
- A 2013 study of a poultry plant in South Carolina found that 57% of workers reported at least one musculoskeletal symptom.
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The UFCW is the largest private sector union in the United States, representing 1.3 million professionals and their families in grocery stores, meatpacking, food processing, retail shops and other industries. Our members help put food on our nation’s tables and serve customers in all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico.
Learn more about the UFCW at www.ufcw.org.