Unions sue Dept. of Ag over increased line speeds

Multiple unions sue the U.S. Department of Agriculture over increased line speeds at poultry plants.

The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union and five local unions are part of the suit. The group wants line speeds slowed down and claims the Food and Safety Inspection Service ignored worker’s safety concerns.

Labor groups find support through a bill on Capitol Hill. Sen. Cory Booker introduced legislation this week to slow line speeds for meat packers, keeping them safe during the pandemic.

The Safe Line Speeds In COVID-19 Act was first introduced earlier this month in the House by Marcia Fudge of Ohio and the companion bill is gaining traction in the Senate as multiple meat packing plant, worker’s unions sue over dangerous line speeds.