WASHINGTON, D.C. – Marc Perrone, president of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), issued the following statement regarding the AG and Legal Workforce Act, H.R. 6417. This bill creates a new H-2C visa program that will expand the definition of an agricultural guestworker to include meat, poultry, shellfish and other food processing jobs.
“The so-called AG and Legal Workforce Act will destroy American jobs and put the safety of our food supply at significant risk.
“The hard-working people who work in the meat and food processing sectors are highly trained professionals who serve as an extra layer of protection for consumers when it comes to food safety.
“These are vital roles that protect all American families regardless of where they live.
“Allowing untrained visa holders to take on these jobs with zero experience will cut wages and increase the odds of consumers eating contaminated meat.
“This is a bill that both Republicans and Democrats should strongly oppose.”
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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.