CAIR-MN Calls for OSHA Probe of COVID-19 Safety at Pilgrims Chicken Plant

CAIR-MN Calls for OSHA Probe of COVID-19 Safety at Pilgrims Chicken Plant in Cold Springs Minnesota

(MINNEAPOLIS, MN, 5/7/2020) – The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Minnesota) today called on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to investigate Pilgrim’s Pride Poultry in Cold Spring, Minn., after employees reported unsafe working conditions due to COVID-19 infections.  

Employees reported to CAIR-MN that the company is forcing sick employees to keep working at the plant. They report inadequate personal protection equipment (PPE) and lack of basic supplies. Employees are forced to take group breaks with hundreds of employees using the same lunchroom and there is not active cleaning or sanitization. 

Employees who have contracted COVID-19 have reported that they don’t feel safe returning to work until the company make drastic changes. They also say they do not feel they are producing safe food if the employees are sick. 

SEE: Pilgrim’s Pride employees upset with COVID-19 precautions as workers get sickhttps://www.fox9.com/news/pilgrims-pride-employees-upset-with-covid-19-precautions-as-workers-get-sickVideo: CAIR-Minnesota Director Calls on Meat Packing Plants to Keep Workers Safe from Coronavirushttps://youtu.be/O_ZLFvw2SzM 

“We call on OSHA and other state and federal agencies to investigate the Pilgrims Pride Poultry facility and ensure worker safety,” said Jaylani Hussein, executive director of CAIR-Minnesota. “Placing company profits over safety threatens the lives of employees, their families and the entire community.” 

Hussein added other employees form similar meat plants have reported better management practice dealing with Cov-19 in central Minnesota. He said that without immediate action, infection levels could cripple the central Minnesota region. 

CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims. La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.

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