The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) International Union said the U.S. food supply is at risk from the COVID-19 situation, reporting that over 5,000 of its members have been sick or have been exposed to the virus.
The union represents about 40% of all food processing workers. About 10% of beef production and 25% of pork production has been affected by either plant closures or slowing of facilities.
The union called for national safety standards for all food and meatpacking workers and said that those workers need adequate personal protective equipment (PPE). Plus, they said that testing for these workers needs to be increased.
The union also said that USDA should reverse the 11 regulatory waivers that have allowed some poultry plants to increase line speeds, arguing the increased speed makes social distancing difficult.
While warning of potential food shortages due to the differing food supply chains with retail and food service channels, UFCW President Marc Perrone said, “How they are able to shift those lines is very important about whether or not we are going to see some of the shortages.”
The union said it does not want plants shut down, but said workers need protective equipment and adequate testing.
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