News Archives
 

April 2008

House votes to require new dust standards
Workers would get new protections from combustible dust explosions like the one that killed 13 people in a Georgia factory in February under legislation passed by the House on Wednesday. President Bush has promised to veto the bill... FULL STORY

After the raids
Companies and communities alike struggle with the effects of the immigration raids. "Many of the workers, American citizens, are still so shook up by the way ICE conducted the raids, they'll start shaking and break into tears, sure the agents are coming back..." FULL STORY

Stricken QPP workers now 18
The mysteries persist for physicians and agencies studying the neurological condition affecting 18 Quality Pork Processors employees, and an estimated six others in Nebraska and Indiana plants... FULL STORY

Immigration agents raid Pilgrim's Pride plants
Immigration agents raided several plants across the country today. The number of workers detained is currently unknown. Agency spokeswoman Kelly Nantel had estimated at least 100 administrative arrests so far... FULL STORY

Austin workers struggle for compensation
Workers sickened by progressive inflammatory neuropathy at meat-packing plants in three states have been on their own financially, but relief may be around the corner. ... FULL STORY

Pilgrim's Pride cutting production
In its latest move to combat record feed costs, Pilgrim's Pride Corp., the nation's largest chicken processor, announced that it will reduce weekly chicken processing by about 5 percent... FULL STORY

Feds hold hearing on New Bedford immigrant raid
A commission investigating immigration raids at a series of Iowa meatpacking plants in 2006 is visiting Massachusetts to take testimony about last year’s raid... FULL STORY

Lawmakers: Toughen poultry plant penalties
Saying companies that ignore workplace hazards face little more than a "slap on the wrist," lawmakers called for stiffer penalties and stronger enforcement against chronic violators. FULL STORY

Cleaner hurt at Smithfield Packing
A sanitation supervisor for the company that cleans the Smithfield Packing Co.’s plant in Tar Heel lost his left arm in an accident Sunday morning. FULL STORY