Nebraska’s Essential Meatpacking Workers Still At Risk

OMAHA- Many Nebraska meatpacking workers, who stand side by side in cool, virus-preserving conditions, are reporting that the meat they process is more valuable than their lives.

According to Douglas County’s health director, 70% of COVID-19 infections involving two or more people have been linked to the area’s nine meatpacking plants. Abbie Kretz with the Heartland Workers Center says she understands the need to protect the nation’s food supply…

President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order to prevent plants from closing and keep food supply chains moving. Kretz’ group is calling on Governor Pete Ricketts to move beyond voluntary compliance and demand that plants install uniform safety protocols recommended by health experts, including social distancing, adequate sanitation and personal protection equipment, and testing, along with paid medical leave so sick workers can stay home and not lose their job.