News & Updates from across the RWDSU…
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Today, the USDA released two studies on the impact of line speeds on poultry and swine workers; emphasizing increased risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome and other crippling upper extremity disorders to workers. Stuart Appelbaum, President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), which represents over 15,000 poultry workers at facilities across the southern United States, as well as meatpacking and processing workers in other parts of the country issued the following statement.
Overnight, there was an explosion at Tyson’s Camilla, Georgia poultry plant represented by the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU). Stuart Appelbaum, President of the RWDSU, which represents over 15,000 poultry workers at facilities across the southern United States and Edgar Fields, President of the Southeast Council of the RWDSU, issued the following joint statement:
“The RWDSU demanded early on in the pandemic that poultry and meat processing companies do a better job in protecting their workers. We swiftly condemned the utilization of the Defense Production Act…
“This vaccine agreement with Tyson shows just how critical it is for companies to meet with unions before making unilateral mandates. We’re proud to have secured paid time off for workers to get the vaccine and additional paid time off should they experience any symptoms, vaccine locations at our facilities, and a job exchange plan to ensure workers with medical and religious exemptions can maintain employment in areas with low interpersonal contact. This historic agreement will protect workers and our communities, and is a clear blueprint many other industries can and should follow.” - Stuart Appelbaum, President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU).
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