It’s been a year since COVID-19 descended on U.S. meatpacking plants. In that time, nearly 60,000 workers have gotten sick, and more than 300 have died.
It’s been a year since COVID-19 descended on U.S. meatpacking plants. Now, labor advocates are balancing present concerns about worker safety with questions about the future.
Christina Stella / Harvest Public Media
Originally published on May 12, 2021 8:51 pm
It’s been a year since COVID-19 descended on U.S. meatpacking plants. In that time, nearly 60,000 workers have gotten sick, and more than 300 have died. That’s led to pushes at the state and federal levels to institute stronger protections for workers in U.S. facilities. While advocates are still navigating efforts to protect workers now, some are already thinking about preventing future outbreaks.
Listen /
In Nebraska, labor advocates are balancing present concerns about worker safety with questions about the future. With more than 7,000 positive tests within Nebraska plants and 28 deaths, many say employees still need safeguards.
KLKN-TV
Local orgs hold vote vigil in support of meatpacker protections bill
The Nebraska ACLU along with other local organizations held a vote vigil outside the Capitol to try to convince senators to vote for the bill.
May 6, 2021 11:28 am
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) A bill for COVID-19 precautions at meatpacking plants is being debated at the Capitol, Thursday morning.
The Nebraska ACLU along with other local organizations held a vote vigil outside the Capitol to try to convince senators to vote for the bill.
“One of my really good friends is still working there and he is just very afraid for his daughter,” said Gabriela Pedroza, an ex-plant worker.
KLKN-TV
Several take to the Capitol steps to show support for meat packing plant workers
A community-led car rally took place on Sunday, as people gathered at the Nebraska State Capitol steps to support meat packing plant workers.
February 28, 2021 10:37 pm
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Meat packing plant workers were some of the hardest hit by COVID-19. On Sunday, people gathered at the Nebraska State Capitol to show their support.
Over 5,000 meat packing plant workers have tested positive for COVID–19 in the state. The 2o plus deaths and over 200 hospitalizations is alarming for many. The statistics are one of the main reasons Stand in for Nebraska, Las Voces and Solidarity with Packing Plant Workers used their voices to speak out.