Local 663 was one of the unions that initiated the lawsuit. Written By: Leah Ward | ×
Worthington s JBS pork processing plant, the community s largest employer with approximately 2,200 workers, is shown April 14, 2020. (Tim Middagh/The Globe)
MINNEAPOLIS The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) acted unlawfully when it eliminated maximum line speeds in meat processing plants, a federal district court in Minneapolis ruled Wednesday.
The USDA issued the New Swine Inspection System (NSIS) in October 2019, despite concerns from plant workers nationwide. Between the time the NSIS was proposed and the effective date, the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) labor union appealed to the USDA not to make the change. After their plea was unsuccessful, UFCW representatives took their case to civil court.
Minnesota judge strikes down rule that eliminated pork plant line speed restrictions msn.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from msn.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
The proposal would add protections for meat and poultry processing plant employees. Written By: Leah Ward | ×
Worthington s JBS pork processing plant, the community s largest employer with approximately 2,200 workers, is shown April 14. (Tim Middagh/The Globe)
ST. PAUL When state lawmakers introduced new proposed legislation Wednesday morning that would improve safety in meat and poultry processing plants, local JBS union members were among the first to add their support. Meatpacking is one of the most dangerous industries, said United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 663 president Matt Utecht at the Wednesday press conference. The state of Minnesota must do a better job for workers, and this legislation is a start to that.