January 25, 2021

JBS USA and Pilgrim's Pride offers US$100 to workers that receive COVID-19 vaccine

JBS USA and Pilgrim's Pride have offered US$100 to their workers in the United States that voluntarily receive a COVID-19 vaccine, Reuters reported.

The bonus aims to encourage workers to get vaccinated, following several COVID-19 outbreaks among meatpacking workers last year which temporarily shut down slaughterhouses. This resulted in low meat supplies and drove meat prices up.

According to JBS USA and Pilgrim's Pride internal surveys, about 60% to 90% of workers are willing to be vaccinated. Educational programmes have been introduced to promote the COVID-19 vaccine to their US workers, which includes immigrants.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention federal guidelines state food and agricultural workers are scheduled to receive the vaccine after healthcare workers and those aged 75 and above.

Chris Gaddis, JBS USA's head of human resources, said the company recognises that some workers may be averse to vaccines or have concerns.

JBS USA is the arm of major Brazilian meatpacker JBS SA, which processes beef and pork. Poultry producer Pilgrim's Pride is also owned by JBS SA.

In a statement, the companies are working together with state and local health departments and healthcare providers to finalise how to deliver the vaccine at all their plants.

Tyson Foods said it will offer vaccines to its workers while they are on the job.

- Reuters