May 11, 2020

US meatpacking workers union protests reopening of meat plants 

The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), which represents 250,000 workers in the meatpacking and food processing industry said 10,000 workers have contracted COVID-19 and 30 have died from the virus, reported Reuters.

More than 30 meatpacking plants have been shut down due to COVID-19, which has resulted in a 25% reduction in beef production and 40% lower pork production in the US.

US President Donald Trump announced an executive order to keep meat plants opened during the pandemic.

The UCFW had initially urged for additional supplies of protective equipment and more testing to be conducted among workers, but changed their stance after the executive order was announced.

Marc Perrone, UCFW International President said the executive order will endanger the lives of American workers and impact the country's food supply long-term security.

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) said 14 plants are expected to reopen, with Sonny Perdue, Agriculture Secretary commending the safe reopening of essential infrastructure. 

The facilities to open its doors include a Smithfield Foods pork plant in Sioux Falls, South Dakota that resumed operations on May 7, and a Tyson Foods plant in Waterloo Iowa. The USDA also said several JBS USA and Tyson plants are in the process of reopening.

Steve Meyer, a Kerns and Associateseconomist said 32% to 33% of the country's swine slaughter capacity remained idle.

-      Reuters