After talks with the UFCW, Cargill has agreed to give employees at their meatpacking facilities a $2/hour emergency pay increase during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to the raise in pay, the union and the company are working out ways to better practice social distancing within the packing plants, where under normal conditions workers work in close proximity to each other. Increased sanitation and screening at the plants will also be going into effect, and virtual health visits will be expanded for those seeking care in the health clinics so that they do not have to visit the health clinics in person to receive treatment where possible.
Keeping our meatpacking and food processing plants running is a matter of national security to ensure that everyone has enough to eat during this difficult period. The UFCW is actively negotiating with other companies in the meatpacking and food processing industries to ensure workers are protected and our food chain remains secure during this crisis.
