RURAL COMMUNITY WORKERS ALLIANCE and JANE DOE v. SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC. AND SMITHFIELD FRESH MEATS CORP.
The nonprofit workers group the Rural Community Workers Alliance and an unidentified worker at a Smithfield processing facility in Missouri have filed suit against the company, alleging it failed to institute measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as maintaining distance between workers, providing personal protective equipment, and allowing time for handwashing. The complaint also alleges that workers often do not even have sufficient time to cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze. The plaintiffs are seeking changes in working conditions, but no money damages. [To accompany Federal Case Law Update "Smithfield Workers File Suit, Allege Company Failed to Protect them During Pandemic" from Brooks Animal Law Digest Issue No. 28.]