Across the country, workers in meat processing plants have become sick; some have died. These plants are the latest coronavirus hotspots.
But this week, instead of helping the sick and safeguarding our food supply, Trump issued an executive order to keep open or reopen all meat processing plants across the country, even ones stricken with coronavirus. This means Trump is forcing sick workers to process our food, risking their lives and our public health. This order is another Trump catastrophe in the making.
This administration and its corporate enablers have continuously put profit above workers’ health, food safety and the stability of our food supply chain.
But we can do something to fight back. Congress is already working on the next coronavirus relief stimulus package. Let’s tell them to use that package to force Big Ag to take the necessary steps to keep workers and our food safe.
In most meat processing plants, social distancing is impossible. Workers and USDA inspectors are shoulder-to-shoulder, and most have not been supplied with personal protective equipment.
Thousands of food workers and more than 100 USDA inspectors have tested positive for COVID-19, and some have died. Even more workers have been exposed to the virus, but a lack of testing is hiding the scope of infection.
Yet that hasn’t slowed the giant meat companies down. They’re pushing to keep plants open by stoking false fears of food shortages. But here’s the truth: Last week the USDA reported 921 million pounds of chicken and 467 million pounds of beef in freezer storage.
The federal government should be stepping in to make sure our abundant frozen meat supplies are reaching stores and food banks that need them. We won’t let the monopolies controlling our food system threaten Americans with food shortages just to drive up profits
The next stimulus package should care for the needs and safety of everyday Americans, not giant corporations that are only trying to protect their bottom line by threatening our food supply and sacrificing their workers. It’s time to demand Congress do its job and protect the interests of the American people.
Tony Corbo
Sr. Government Affairs Representative
Food & Water Action and Food & Water Watch
Food & Water Action and its affiliated organization, Food & Water Watch, are advocacy groups with a common mission to protect our food, water and climate. This email was sent to [email protected] - and we're glad you got it, because it's one of the most important ways you can reclaim political power, hold elected officials accountable and resist corporate control.
