(Cargill Meat Solutions)

By David Opinko

Union calls for temporary closure of meat-packing plant in High River over COVID-19 concerns

Apr 13, 2020 | 3:11 PM

HIGH RIVER, AB – The union representing workers at one of Cargill’s plants in Southern Alberta says it needs to enter a two-week closure.

United Food and Commercial Workers Canada Union (UFCW) local 401 President Thomas Hesse wrote to the provincial government and plant management over the Easter long weekend.

“During this pause, during this very troubling time, everyone is surely reflecting on the value of life. The intersection we face is unprecedented.”

Hesse says the union is “very bothered and deeply troubled” about the workplace since around 2,000 people continue to work around the clock.

The provincial government released their projections last week for how COVID-19 could spread, saying, that, under the “probable scenario”, around 800,000 Albertans will become infected and up to 3,100 people could die as a result of the virus.

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“There is no reason to believe that hundreds of individuals in your working environment won’t soon be carrying the virus.”

“Your plant is designed around efficiency,” wrote Hesse about Cargill’s operations. “Work is done and the workplace is arranged around something that is the opposite of “social distancing”. Your workplace is designed around the concept of “social proximity”. Unfortunately, the employer is just not doing enough to protect its employees in this environment. You need to do more.”

Across UFCW, as many as 30 employees have died of COVID-19.

“Employees are scared. Your employees are scared. It is time to act. It is time to protect life.”

Hesse is making three demands:

• Close the plant immediately for two weeks to conduct a comprehensive assessment of its safety
• Guarantee full compensation for every employee during the temporary shutdown
• Meet with union officials, experts, and government officials to create a plan for “clear and enforceable rules around health and safety in your workplace.”