Senate Booker has introduced Senate Bill 4338, the Safe Line Speeds in COVID-19 Act, a companion bill to H.R. 7521, which proposes to suspend all current and future USDA line speed waivers amidst the pandemic.
Senate Considers Revoking Line Speed Waivers Amid Pandemic
Meatpacking Facility Worker Files Suit Against Central Valley Meat Company
An employee of Central Valley Meat Company has filed a proposed class action against the company, alleging it allowed multiple employees to return to work after testing positive for COVID-19.
Meatpacking Plant Workers File Suit Against OSHA Seeking COVID-19 Protections
A group of meatpacking plant workers have filed suit against the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, seeking to compel the agency to force their employer to implement COVID-19 protections.
New Jersey Considers Farm Worker Protection Bill
New Jersey Assembly No. 4404 proposes additional protections for farm workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, including increased inspections, government reporting on enforcement activities, prioritization of farm workers for testing, provision of separate living facilities for workers exposed to communicable diseases, and proper availability of personal protective equipment.
Bill Would Suspend Increases in Line Speeds
H.R. 7521 proposes to suspend active and prohibit future waivers for high line speeds in slaughterhouses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cargill Plant Sued Over COVID-19 Outbreak
Cargill has been sued in Calgary in a class action alleging the company failed to take sufficient measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Michigan Implements Safety Guidelines for Meat Processing Plants
Michigan Governor Whitmer has signed an Executive Order outlining guidelines to keep meat processing plant employees safe during the pandemic.
FSIS Rejects PCRM’s Petition to Require COVID-19 Testing of Products
The Food Safety Inspection Service has denied a petition and petition addendum filed by Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine in May, requesting that the agency require meat and poultry processors test their products for the presence of COVID-19, disclose to local health authorities and the public the number of workers infected with COVID-19, and include warnings that products have not been “certified virus-free.
EPA to End Suspension of Reporting Requirements
The Environmental Protection Agency has announced it will end its controversial policy of suspending reporting requirements for certain entities during the coronavirus outbreak.
Groups Intend to Challenge Suspension of EPA Enforcement
The Center for Biological Diversity, Waterkeeper Alliance, and Riverkeeper have informed the Environmental Protection Agency of their intent to sue over the agency’s policy to suspend some monitoring and reporting requirements amidst the coronavirus pandemic.