Family Farm Action Alliance released the following statement in response to the reintroduction of the Safe Line Speeds During COVID-19 Act by U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Representatives Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and Bennie Thompson (D-MS):
“Family Farm Action Alliance commends the reintroduction of the Safe Line Speeds During COVID-19 Act. This pandemic has taken a disproportionate toll on meatpacking workers’ health, and increased line speeds have made these workers’ jobs even more dangerous. Meatpacker monopolies should not be rewarded with increased line speeds to make up for supply chain failures caused by their own pursuit of profit and consolidation. Meatpacking workers deserve better, and consumers deserve meat that was processed in a safe environment. In the future, we hope these reforms can become the norm, to protect workers at all times, not just in the face of a pandemic.”
This Act would:
- Temporarily suspend line speed increases
- Temporarily suspend waivers related to inspections, line speeds, or the New Swine Slaughter Inspection System
- Bar federal funds from being used to develop higher line speeds
- Require a study conducted by the Government Accountability Office and a report to Congress on worker and animal health impacts during and after these temporary measures
Media Contact: Angela Huffman, ahuffman@farmaction.us
