DES MOINES, IA – Today, UFCW Locals 222, 230, 431, 617, and 1155, which represents Iowa workers in meat slaughter, processing and other essential industries, announced their support for the reintroduction of the Protecting America’s Meatpacking Workers Act and strongly urged Iowa’s U.S. Senators to co-sponsor legislation and fight for the provisions of this worker safety bill to be included the Farm Bill.
The bill would provide essential protections to meatpacking workers across the country, by strengthening worker safety provisions, increasing transparency, and supporting workers in an industry that continues to feel strains resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a joint statement, UFCW Iowa Local Unions said:
“If Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst truly support Iowa’s hardworking meat slaughter and processing workers, they will co-sponsor The Protecting America’s Meatpacking Workers Act and fight for the provisions to be included in the Farm bill. This piece of legislation will protect workers and take necessary steps to keep workers safe. Supporting it is imperative.”
“Safety is a serious concern for me as a meatpacking worker. This will make going into work easier, not just for myself but for my family as well, who will have peace of mind knowing I am safe on the job,” said Willy Bobo Mulamba, Local 431 Member.
“As an industry leader, the UFCW has always fought for worker safety. This bill means that non-union workers will finally be able to have those safety protections as well,” said Margarita Heredia, Local 1155 Member.
“Knowing that these essential safety measures are protected, not only through my union contract but also through the federal government, makes me feel more secure. I am sure my non-union friends at other plants feel the same,” said Dalton Nixon, Local 617 Member.
“I am proud that the UFCW is supporting legislation that directly improves my quality of life, and I hope my Senators will do the same,” said Brian Ulin, Local 230 Member.
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UFCW Iowa Locals are part of UFCW International, the largest private sector union in the United States. UFCW International represents 1.3 million professionals and their families in healthcare, grocery stores, meatpacking, food processing, retail shops, and other industries. Our members serve our communities in all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. Learn more about the UFCW at ufcw.org.