DLI issues report and recommendations for meat, poultry processing workers

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) issued a report detailing recommendations for meat and poultry processing workers to fulfill a requirement of the Safe Workplaces for Meat and Poultry Processing Workers Act (Safe Workplaces Act) passed in 2023. Among other things, the law required the agency to hire a worker rights coordinator and to report annually about recommendations to promote better treatment of meat and poultry processing workers. The report covers the implementation of the Safe Workplaces Act, recommendations from managers, supervisors and employers, and testimonies and recommendations from meatpacking workers.

During May to October 2024, DLI's worker rights coordinator visited 24 facilities under the jurisdiction of the Safe Workplaces Act and distributed educational materials to 88 facilities. The coordinator toured each facility to understand the work environment and interviewed 135 people:  52 management staff members; and 83 randomly selected employees in either English or Spanish. Employers have had the opportunity to ask questions and provide direct feedback to DLI through the coordinator.

"Increased education and outreach create safer conditions for meat and poultry processing workers, and that also benefits employers and the whole community," said DLI Commissioner Nicole Blissenbach. "The worker rights coordinator spent time on site to educate, inform and listen to employers and employees and that has given DLI valuable insights to understand the industry and make recommendations to promote better treatment of the workers."

Employees offered recommendations related to communication in the workplace, adequate staffing and appropriate scheduling, protective equipment and payment. Some employees expressed concerns related to rest and meal breaks, including the duration and timing of those breaks. Generally, employers' representatives expressed they would like more information and support for meeting general worker safety requirements. While these were overarching themes, each site visit and interview reflected the individual circumstances in each facility.

The worker rights coordinator's efforts have led to increased compliance by Minnesota's meat and poultry processing employers with the state's labor and employment laws, including the Safe Workplaces Act, the Packinghouse Workers Bill of Rights, the Women's Economic Security Act, earned sick and safe time and other applicable laws.

In 2025, the worker rights coordinator will prioritize visits to the remaining facilities under the Safe Workplaces Act's jurisdiction, smaller meat and poultry processing facilities not under the Safe Workplaces Act's jurisdiction and facilities already visited for compliance updates and additional interviews.

Media contact:  James Honerman at 651-284-5313 or james.honerman@state.mn.us