For media inquiries, please reach out to: mailto:UFCW7@skdknick.com or call Bridget Bartol at 954-594-0689
Kim Cordova – Denver Post Guest Commentary
Kim Cordova – Greeley Tribune Guest Commentary
For Immediate Release – UFCW LOCAL 7 CALS OUT WELD COUNTY, CO FOR FAILURE TO PROTECT ESSENTIAL WORKERS – November 25, 2020
For Immediate Release – UFCW LOCAL 7 CELEBRATES KEY COLORADO ELECTORAL VICTORIES – November 4, 2020
UFCW Local 7 Celebrates Passage of Proposition 118
For Immediate Release – UFCW LOCAL 7 CELEBRATES PASSAGE OF PROPOSITION 118 – November 3, 2020
For Immediate Release – UFCW Local 7 ENDORSES JOHN HICKENLOOPER FOR U.S. SENATE – September 24, 2020
For Immediate Release – UFCW LOCAL 7 SECURES WAGE INCREASE FOR WORKERS AT JBS GREELEY WITHOUT REOPENING CONTRACT; UNION SAYS MORE CHANGES NEEDED TO PROTECT ESSENTIALWORKERS – July 20, 2020 PARA PUBLICACIÓN INMEDIATA – 072020
For Immediate Release – UFCW LOCAL 7 CELEBRATES PAID SICK LEAVE AND WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION BILLS BEING SIGNED INTO LAW – July 14, 2020 HB 20-1415 Signed – Whistleblower SB 20-205 Signed – Sick Leave
For Immediate Release – UFCW LOCAL 7 FIGHTS HARD FOR MEMBERS AT JBS GREELEY; DEMANDS INDUSTRY STANDARD PAY & IMPROVED SAFETY MEASURES – July 14, 2020 PARA PUBLICACIÓN INMEDIATA – 071420 JBS OSHA Complaint
For Immediate Release – UFCW LOCAL 7 DEMANDS THAT SAFEWAY/ALBERTSONS KEEP “APPRECIATION PAY” FOR ESSENTIAL GROCERY WORKERS – June 12, 2020
For Immediate Release – UFCW LOCAL 7 ESTABLISHES ONE MILLION DOLLARS ($1,000,000.00) COVID-19 EMERGENCY HARDSHIP FUND – March 24, 2020
Updated 1/22/2021
UFCW Mentions
Law360: UFCW Demands Instacart Reverse Course On Layoffs
Agricultural/Grocery Industry
Retail leader: Grocery ‘Hero Pay’ Measures Ramping Up in U.S.
Kroger Mentions
WLWT5: Kroger launches vaccine program and effort to be key to distribution infrastructure
JBS Mentions
Washington Post: Biden executive order seeks stronger workplace safety guidance from OSHA
The Dallas Morning News: Amazon, Aldi, Walmart, Trader Joe’s and other retailers begin to encourage workers to get the vaccine
Drovers: JBS Offers $100 to Employees Who Get COVID-19 Vaccine
Meat + Poultry: JBS incentivizes workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19
Updated 1/21/2021
Kim Cordova Mentions
The Hill: Unions wade into debate over requiring COVID-19 vaccine
UFCW Mentions
CBS News: Meat processors ready for COVID-19 vaccine, but its workers may not be
FOX21 News: Employees at Mission Foods Plant demand action following several COVID-19 outbreaks
People’s World: Labor welcomes Biden inauguration; Some unions echo his unity theme
Meatpacking Industry
Occupational Health and Safety: Meatpacking Industry Pushes for Worker Vaccinations
CBS News: Meat processors ready for COVID-19 vaccine, but workers may not be
Agricultural/Grocery Industry
Capital Press: Agriculture offers input for Biden administration
Progressive Grocer: Grocery ‘Hero Pay’ Measures Ramping Up in U.S.
Kroger Mentions
Tech Crunch: Instacart is eliminating the jobs of unionized workers
JBS Mentions
Bloomberg: JBS to Give Bonus to U.S. Workers for Getting Virus Vaccine
Reuters: JBS USA, Pilgrim’s Pride offer $100 to employees who get COVID-19 vaccine
Washington Post: Biden order seeks stronger workplace safety rules, signaling a more worker friendly approach
Updated 1/19/2021
Kim Cordova Mentions
Time: The Challenges Posed By COVID-19 Pushed Many Workers to Strike. Will the Labor Movement See Sustained Interest?
Meatpacking Industry
Politico: Who is ‘essential’? Food and farm workers left in limbo in vaccine priorities
Bloomberg Law: Meatpackers Press for Covid-19 Vaccine to Protect Line Workers
The Pig Site: US safety regulators ignored workers’ COVID-19 complaints amid deadly outbreaks
Updated 1/15/2021
Kim Cordova Mentions
Pueblo Chieftain: As third COVID-19 outbreak hits Pueblo Mission Foods plant, union, workers call for help
NBC 5 KOAA: Pueblo Mission Foods plant deals with another COVID-19 outbreak
UFCW Mentions
Supermarket News: UFCW, FMI applaud key elements of Biden’s coronavirus relief plan
Meatpacking Industry
NPR: U.S. Still Lags In COVID-19 Workplace Safety, Former OSHA Official Says
Global Comment: Could antitrust laws outlaw meatpacking monopolies?
Agricultural/Grocery Industry
Grocery Drive: Biden calls on grocers to give workers retroactive hazard pay
The News Tribune: ‘We’re getting sick, and we’re dying.’ Grocery workers seek return of hazard pay
Nutritional Outlook: NPA urges governors of all 50 states to declare health food store essential
Updated 1/14/2021
Meatpacking Industry
Washington Post: Opinion: Nebraska meatpackers breathe for hours through blood-soaked masks. This can’t keep happening.
NPR: U.S. Still Lags In COVID-19 Workplace Safety, Former OSHA Official Says
Agricultural/Grocery Industry
Vox: Still going to the grocery store? With new virus variants spreading, it’s probably time to stop.
Kroger Mentions
9 News: In-N-Out outbreak continues to grow, big box retailers report COVID-19 cases
JBS Mentions
Bloomberg: New York Joins ESG Battle Against Tyson After Virus Outbreaks
Updated 1/13/2021
Meatpacking Industry
Aberdeen News: COVID-19 deaths go uninvestigated as OSHA takes a hands-off approach to meatpacking plants
Waterloo Courier: Tyson Foods to offer COVID-19 vaccines to Waterloo workers at mobile health clinics
Safeway/Albertsons Mentions
Sonoma County News: Safeway to open drive-through coronavirus vaccination site at Sonoma County Fairgrounds
Updated 1/12/2021
Meatpacking Industry
Poultry Site: US safety regulators ignored workers’ COVID-19 complaints amid deadly outbreaks
Kroger Mentions
Cincinnati Enquierer: Kroger not requiring workers to be vaccinated. Grocery chain serves 11 million customers per day
Safeway/Albertsons Mentions
Wall Street Journal: Albertsons Cart is Full as Covid Windfall Gets Extended
Updated 1/11/2021
UFCW Mentions
USA Today: COVID-19 deaths go uninvestigated as OSHA takes a hands-off approach to meatpacking plants
Mother Jones: Worker Advocates Rally Around Biden’s Labor Department Pick
Meatpacking Industry
Lincoln Journal Star: ‘The situation is dire’: Senator proposes COVID-19 protections for meat processing workers
Agricultural/Grocery Industry
Eater: NYC Grocery Workers Now Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine
Inequality.org: Grocery Workers Call on Employers to Put Public Health Above CEO Profits
Updated 1/8/2021
Meatpacking Industry
Reuters: Smithfield Foods shakes up management team under new CEO
FoodDive: Smithfield Foods prepares to vaccinate its workers
Quartz: Covid-19 vaccine delays reveal a shortage of healthcare workers
COVID-19 Vaccination News
Polis invites Coloradans 70+ to sign up for vaccine through healthcare providers
Kroger Mentions
Houston Chronicle: Kroger rolls out COVID vaccine to staff as it prepares for rush
Updated 1/7/2021
UFCW Mentions
CBS News: Albertsons pushed to make its grocery workers “essential.” Now it’s outsourcing their jobs
Supermarket News: Albertsons to shift to third-party online grocery delivery in some markets
KX Net (North Dakota): Study: More than 20,000 grocery store workers have been infected or exposed to COVID-19
Meatpacking Industry
Business Insider: The top US workplace safety regulator failed to protect workers from unsafe practices during the pandemic, according to investigation
Agricultural/Grocery Industry
Grocery Dive: Los Angeles County considering ‘hero pay’ bonus for grocery workers
Updated 1/6/2021
Meatpacking Industry
Washington Post: Nebraska governor says citizens, legal residents will get vaccine priority over undocumented immigrants
COVID-19 Vaccination News
Reuters: Smithfield Foods prepares for COVID-19 vaccine distribution to U.S. employees
CPR: Who’s Next? Colorado’s COVID-19 Vaccine Plan Creates Confusion For Most, Competition For Some
Fox 31 Denver: Frustration grows over lack of COVID-19 vaccine information in Colorado
JBS Mentions
Reuters: Special Report-U.S. regulators ignored workers’ COVID-19 safety complaints amid deadly outbreaks
Updated 1/5/2021
Kim Cordova Mentions
KUNC: Sicker-At-Work? Persistent Economic Factors Drive Higher COVID-19 Infection Rate In Weld County’s Latinos
UFCW Mentions
Law 360: Retail Unions’ Hazard Pay Demands Face Uphill Battle
Meatpacking Industry
Eater: Tyson Cannot Blame Executive Order for Employee’s Death, Federal Judge Rules
Agricultural/Grocery Industry
The New York Times: Voices From the Front Lines of America’s Food Supply
JBS Mentions
Grand Island Independent: CDHD receives $10,000 gift from JBS for vaccine education campaign
NBC Local 4 Hastings, ND: JBS Swift donates $10,000 to CDHD for new campaign
Updated 1/4/2021
Kim Cordova Mentions
Fox 31: Number of Colorado In-N-Out employees with COVID grows to 122
UFCW Mentions
AG Web: UFCW, Meat Institute Ask Governors to Prioritize Vaccinations
Meat + Poultry: NAMI, UFCW urge governors to approve COVID-19 vaccine for workers
National Hog Farmer: COVID aid package includes ag and nutrition
Associated Press: US plants hope to maintain production despite virus threat
Fox Business: Costco coronavirus outbreak in Washington prompts demand for vaccine for frontline employees
Meatpacking Industry
Marketplace: Beef market still feeling the effects of COVID-19
Agricultural/Grocery Industry
Capital & Main: Hero pay for hero workers?
HuffPost: 1 House, 5 Grocery Store Workers And A Very Long Year
Reuters: Explainer – U.S. vaccine rollout’s next challenge: Verifying who is ‘essential’
Denver Post: Colorado moves people 70 and older, teachers, and grocery workers to higher COVID-19 vaccine priority
Kroger Mentions
MarketWatch: Kroger to provide COVID-19 vaccinations
JBS Mentions
Fort Collins Coloradoan: 2020: Historic year summer up in only 10 Coloradoan photographs
Greeley Tribune: Last year in the Greeley Tribune
Updated 12/22/2020
Agricultural/Grocery Industry
The Counter: Big Ag and labor groups alike want food and farm workers at the front of the vaccination line
Futurity: Customers Drive Grocery Store Worker Distress During Pandemic
Civil Eats: Should Food and Farm Workers Be Next in Line for the COVID Vaccine?
Portland Mercury: Guest Editorial: My Year as an Essential Grocery Worker Without Essential Protections or Pay
Updated 12/21/2020
UFCW Mentions
Washington Post: Major U.S. companies are lobbying in a scrum for early vaccine
Meatpacking Industry
Bloomberg: Meatpacking Workers Get Priority for Vaccine Under CDC Guideline
FoodDive: Food workers should be among the next in line for the vaccine, CDC panel says
ProPublica: How the History of Waterloo, Iowa, Explains How Meatpacking Plants Became Hotbeds of COVID-19
Forbes: Grocery workers deserve hazard pay during COVID-19 surge
Forbes: NRF Calls For Retail Workers To Get Vaccine First. Is It To Preserve Workers’ Health Or Industry Profits?
Gadsden Times: Opinion: Can Pilgrim’s promises be trusted?
Updated 12/18/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
The Pueblo Chieftain: ‘From heroes to zeros’: Grocery store employees seek return of hazard pay as COVID-19 ramps up
UFCW Mentions
Greeley Tribune: Weld grocery worker speaks out in news conference about stores’ lack of COVID-19 precautions, support for staff
Stop & Shop: Stop & Shop’s Investment of $229 Million in Retirement Benefits for Union Associates Ratified by UFCW Local 1500
Genesee Sun: Tops Friendly Markets and UFCW Reach Agreement to Provide Appreciation Bonus for Associates
Meatpacking Industry
Successful Farming: COVID-19 CASES IN MEATPACKING COUNTIES WERE 10 TIMES THOSE IN OTHER RURAL COUNTIES
Bloomberg: CDC Panel May Answer Which U.S. Workers Will Get Vaccine Next
Industry Work: Tyson Foods Fires 7 Managers Over COVID-19 Betting Ring
The Straits Times: Coronavirus pandemic is starting to hit North American meat plants again
JBS Mentions
The Philadelphia Inquirer: The pandemic is starting to hit North American meat plants again
Updated 12/17/2020
UFCW Mentions
The Denver Post: Feds won’t cite King Soopers for safety violations at Denver store where 3 workers died from COVID-19
CBS 4 Denver: COVID In Colorado: Grocery Store Employees Union Calls For More Protections During Pandemic
NBC 5 KOAA: Colorado grocery store workers ask for reinstated hazard pay
Fox 31: King Soopers employee union makes a statement
The Pueblo Chieftain: ‘From heroes to zeros’: Grocery store employees seek return of hazard pay as COVID-19 ramps up
Abasto: LOS ANGELES CITY COUNCIL PROPOSES $5 HAZARD PAY FOR SUPERMARKET WORKERS
Meatpacking Industry
The Counter: Foreign-born workers were blamed for spreading Covid-19 in meatpacking plants. Their behavior was not the issue, new research suggests.
Global News: ‘Megascale’ slaughterhouses, meat-packing plants put beef industry at risk: report
Agricultural/Grocery Industry
CBS 9 Los Angeles: LA City Councilors Propose An Extra $5 Per Hour Hazard Pay For Grocery Workers
The Food Institute: FOOD INDUSTRY GROUPS WANT PRIORITY VACCINATIONS FOR WORKERS
JBS Mentions
Fox 31 News: Campaigns underway to inform people of color about vaccine safety after new COVID-19 outbreak at JBS
The Courier: Organic Beef Meat Market Estimated to Boost in Near Future 2027 with Key Players
Updated 12/16/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
Supermarket News: Sen. Bernie Sanders, UFCW locals urge Kroger to restart hazard pay
UFCW Mentions
CBS 4 Denver: COVID In Colorado: Grocery Store Employees Union Calls For More Protections During Pandemic
Yahoo Noticias: Exigen protección y pago extra a “trabajadores esenciales” de supermercados
Cincinnati Business Courier: Bernie Sanders sends letter to Kroger CEO urging worker pay hike
Value Walk: UNIONS PRAISE NEW JERSEY’S ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN
WKBW Buffalo: Tops Friendly Markets to provide appreciation bonus to associates
Governor Pennsylvania: Advocacy Organizations, Others Show Support for Latest COVID-19 Mitigation Efforts
Canadian Cattleman: Pandemic-battered beef industry may still be in for a rough ride
Patch: Stop & Shop Not Enforcing Coronavirus Guidelines: Union
Meatpacking Industry
Quartz: The case for mandating a Covid-19 vaccine at work—and the case for merely encouraging it
Food Dive: As vaccine rollout begins, the food industry jockeys for priority
Courthouse News Service: Study: Ventilation Key to Limiting Virus Risks to Plant Workers
RFD TV: Sen. Grassley is disappointed in USDA’s meat packing decision
Lethbridge Herald: ‘Megascale’ slaughterhouses, meat-packing plants put beef industry at risk: Report
Agricultural/Grocery Industry
Hoptown Chronicle: Old guard, old problems – Will Biden administration challenge corporate grip on ag?
Updated 12/11/2020
UFCW Mentions
World Socialist Web Site: UFCW ends 3-month Winnipeg school bus drivers’ strike without a contract, as COVID-19 cases skyrocket
KIRO 7 Seattle: Workers at Fred Meyer in Burien speaking out after 10 employees test positive for COVID-19
KUOW NPR: Grocery workers push for safety protections
Meatpacking Industry
The Wall Street Journal: Whose Workers Are Most Essential? Meatpackers, Airlines Lobby for Covid-19 Vaccine Priority
CNN: She got coronavirus, then lost her job. The pandemic makes her scared to look for another one
Colorado Politics: Colorado AFL-CIO urges elected officials to implement reporting tool to keep workers safe
The Intercept: Tom Vilsack for Agriculture Secretary Is Everything That’s Wrong With the Democratic Party
Bloomberg: Perdue Farms Asks CDC to Prioritize Poultry Workers for Vaccine
The Progressive Pulse: Backed by science, advocates legally challenge Labor Secretary Cherie Berry over COVID-19
Business Insurance: Tyson Foods hires chief medical officer to focus on COVID-19
Law.com: ‘A Challenging Argument’: Tyson Foods Says Federal Law Preempts COVID-19 Lawsuits
Spokesman-Review: Farm groups blast Trump competition rule as favoring meat giants
Agricultural/Grocery Industry
The Denver Post: Congress averts shutdown, buys time for more COVID-19 talks
The Denver Post: Immigrant families received some pandemic aid, but Colorado advocates say need is much larger
JBS Mentions
CBS: Stimulus deal could block lawsuits over COVID-19 deaths of workers
Updated 12/10/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
Greeley Tribune: COVID-19 vaccine is the on the way. What does that mean?
UFCW Mentions
Guelph Today: Cargill’s positive COVID cases climb to 21, approximately 80 employees sent home
Counter Punch: Don’t Withhold Hazard Pay
The Desert Review: Assemblymember Garcia introduces California Vaccine Equity and Healthy Food Worker Act
Meat and Poultry: Butterball to lay off 450 workers at Missouri turkey plant
Watt Poultry: Butterball to ramp down some production at Missouri plant
CTV News: 21 cases in COVID-19 outbreak at Guelph meat packaging plant, union says
KPBS: Stater Bros. Reinstates Hazard Pay, Most Grocery Companies Hold Back Wage Increase
Meatpacking Industry
The Motley Fool: Tyson Foods Creates the New Executive Post of Chief Medical Officer
Law 360: Pa. Meatpackers Urge Court Action Over Virus Safety Plans
KMTV 3 News Now Omaha: Workers, ACLU sue Hastings meatpacking plant
KNSI: MEAT PACKING PLANT WORKERS ASKING FOR VACCINATION PRIORITY
World Socialist Web Site: How Tyson Foods chairman John Tyson made $600 million by exposing meatpacking workers to coronavirus
Agricultural/Grocery Industry
CBS 4 Denver: COVID In Colorado: Grocery Store Employee Asks For More Protections
Kroger Mentions
Grocery Dive: PCC Community Markets taps Kroger executive as next leader
JBS Mentions
Loveland Reporter-Herald: Aims, JBS partner to provide free college to JBS families
Updated 12/9/2020
UFCW Mentions
Reuters: As U.S. companies push to get workers vaccinated, states disagree on who’s essential
LA Progressive: Don’t Withhold Hazard Pay
Work Day Minnesota: Meat-Plant Workers Call for Vaccine Priority
KQED: COVID-19 Again Sweeps Through Foster Farms Plants in Central Valley
Food Safety News: Meat, poultry industries united behind vaccine for employees
Workers World: Kroger workers demand a just contract
The Daily World: Food retailers see ‘eye-popping profits’ as workers reap little benefit
Meatpacking Industry
Denver Post: Colorado revises COVID-19 vaccine plan to prioritize long-term care facilities and some health workers
U.S. News and World Report: Nebraska Outlines Next Groups Eligible for Virus Vaccine
Food Navigator: Are we headed for Horsegate 2.0? COVID-19 escalates risk of meat fraud
Drovers: 2021 Beef Outlook: New Challenges, New Opportunities
Arkansas Times: George’s poultry workers in Springdale walk out to protest COVID-19 conditions
The Pig Site: Debate over “essential work” lingers amid US COVID-19 vaccine push
The Washington Post: The arguments for and against whether companies can be sued for coronavirus outbreaks
Agricultural/Grocery Industry
The Denver Post: When can Coloradans expect to receive the COVID-19 vaccine?
9News: State rolls out COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan
The Denver Post: Colorado revises COVID-19 vaccine plan to prioritize long-term care facilities and some health workers
The Colorado Sun: General public in Colorado likely won’t have access to coronavirus vaccine until summer 2021
The Guardian: Billionaires made $1tn since Covid-19. They can afford to protect their workers
JBS Mentions
Greeley Tribune: JBS USA and Aims Community College to offer free two-year education to children of JBS Greeley Beef employees
CBS News: Stimulus deal could block lawsuits over COVID-19 deaths of workers
Updated 12/8/2020
UFCW Mentions
Chicago Tribune: Food retailers see ‘eye-popping profits’ during pandemic. But frontline workers get crumbs.
Food Safety News: Meat, poultry industries united behind vaccine for employees
Successful Farming: CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAKS AT TWO CALIFORNIA CHICKEN PLANTS
Grocery Dive: Stater Bros. reinstates $2-per-hour hazard pay bonus
Vending Market Watch: Danone Promotes Gender Equity for All, Expands Parental Leave to 3,500 Manufacturing Colleagues
Al Dia Leaders: Helping Essential Workers, A Call To Action
Mother Jones: Will Biden Pick a USDA Secretary Who Sees Our Food Crises Clearly?
The Diamondback: WMATA’s proposed cuts would be bad for the people who need the Metro the most
Meatpacking Industry
Duluth News Tribune: As U.S. companies push to get workers vaccinated, states disagree on who’s essential
Agricultural/Grocery Industry
HuffPost: Which Essential Workers Should Get Vaccinated First? States Face A Painful Decision
JBS Mentions
The Counter: To avoid a Covid-19 “disruption,” JBS sends older workers home
Updated 12/7/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
WBAP: JBS Sends Thousands of U.S. Meat Workers Home During Covid Surge
KMJ Now: JBS Sends Thousands of U.S. Meat Workers Home During Covid Surge
UFCW Mentions
The Denver Post: 2020 Year in Photos, Part II: Outbreak
The Tacoma Ledger: Stand behind your local workers
Yahoo! News: Sixth Whole Foods Worker In SoCal Tests Positive For Coronavirus
Patch: LA County Launches Campaign To Help Keep Essential Workers Safe
Des Moines Register: The next U.S. agriculture secretary must rebuke the meat industry
The Washington Newsday: Walmart wants to pay 700 million dollar in the form of special premiums before the holidays
The New York Times: The elderly vs. essential workers: Who should get the coronavirus vaccine first?
Times Union: Grocery store employees want hazard pay back, but not all employers deliver
Lehigh Valley Live: Few N.J. retail workers getting hazard pay as COVID-19 spikes during holiday shopping season, report shows
CBS 4 Denver: COVID In Greeley: JBS Plant Sends Home At-Risk Workers With Pay During Coronavirus Case Surge
Guelph Today: Six Cargill workers sent home Friday after testing positive for COVID-19
Meatpacking Industry
CNBC: Chick-fil-A sues top poultry suppliers alleging bid-rigging, price fixing
World Socialist Web Site: The unseen plight of undocumented workers in the US during the pandemic
Rio Grande Guardian: Garcia: LULAC calls for meatpacking workers to get vaccine first
Agricultural/Grocery Industry
The Washington Post: CDC recommends people wear masks indoors when not at home
Bloomberg: In a First, the CDC Says to Use Masks Indoors When Not Home
JBS Mentions
Food Dive: JBS removes vulnerable workers during coronavirus spike in community
Updated 12/4/2020
Kim Cordova
Bloomberg: In a First, the CDC Says to Use Masks Indoors When Not Home
Mentions
The Wall Street Journal: Meatpacker JBS Removed At-Risk Workers from Beef Plant Amid Covid-19 Surge
Transport Topics: JBS Sends Thousands of Meat Workers Home During COVID Surge
UFCW Mentions
Pensions and Investments: Kroger withdraws from UFCW pension fund to start new variable plan
Chief Investment Officer: Kroger to Pay Nearly $1 Billion to Ditch Multiemployer Plan
Meat and Poultry: NAMI: Meat plant workers high priority for COVID vaccination
Detroit Free Press: Kroger, other retailers see ‘eye-popping profits’ as workers reap little benefit
BuzzFeed News: Amazon Has Been Charged With Firing A Worker Just Because She Fought For Better Working Conditions
Meatpacking Industry
Bloomberg: Meat Lobby Group Calls for Vaccine Priority for Plant Workers
The Fort Morgan Times: Colorado has more COVID-19 outbreaks in nursing homes than during the worst point this spring
3KSN: Kansas puts vaccine priority
on grocery, meatpacking workers
Farm Journal’s Pork Business: U.S. Meatpacker Smithfield Foods Offers to Store COVID-19 Vaccines in Ultra-Cold Freezers
Law 360: OSHA Won’t Fine Meatpacker Accused Of COVID-19 Violations
Drovers: U.S. Meatpacker Smithfield Foods Offers to Store COVID-19 Vaccines in Ultra-Cold Freezers
Kroger Mentions
CNBC: Kroger is prepared to begin Covid vaccinations at its pharmacies, CEO says
International Business Times: Kroger ‘Ready And Anxious’ To Get COVID-19 Vaccine To The Public
KHOU 11: Kroger will provide COVID-19 vaccine in Houston area and nationwide
JBS Mentions
Bloomberg: JBS Sends Thousands of U.S. Meat Workers Home During Covid Surge
Farm Journal’s Pork Business: JBS USA Removes At-Risk Workers Amid Community COVID-19 Surge
Updated 12/3/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
CBS 4 Denver: COVID Outbreak: Union Wants Mission Foods Plant Closed For Cleaning And Quarantine Pay For 200 Workers
The Pueblo Chieftain: Union leader requests temporary closing of Mission Foods plant following COVID-19 outbreak
UFCW Mentions
Plansponsor: Kroger Takes More Action to Secure Retirement Benefits for Employees
Updated 12/2/2020
The Washington Post: Health-care workers and nursing home residents should be the first to get coronavirus vaccines, CDC advisory group says
Supermarket News: Supermarket pharmacists among priority COVID-19 vaccine recipients
Triple Pundit: During This Holiday Season, Essential Workers Still Confront Grinch After Grinch
Law 360: Unions Can Get Fee Awards In NLRB Suits, Neb. Judge Says
Common Dreams: We Need an Essential Workers Bill of Rights
USA Today: How a third wave of COVID-19 engulfed the US
EWG: Covid-19 Relief Packages Leave Food and Farm Workers Unprotected
Houston Public Media NPR: Kroger, Houston-Area Union Stall Over New Labor Contract
One News Page: Kroger employees speak out about coronavirus safety concerns
The Daily Reporter: Construction groups oppose attempt to identify companies with COVID-19 outbreaks
Updated 12/1/2020
UFCW Mentions
Forbes: Grocers Extricate Employees From The Multiemployer Pension Plan Trap
DCist: Metro’s Proposed Cuts Are A ‘Punch In The Gut’ For Workers And The Local Economy
West Hartford News: ShopRite, union reach deal on retroactive hazard pay for workers in CT, NY, NJ
Progressive Grocers: Kroger Workers Agree to Withdraw From Pension Fund
Supermarket News: UFCW unions ratify Kroger, Albertsons, Stop & Shop pension fund withdrawal
Winsight Grocery Business: ShopRite Provides Retroactive Hazard Pay to Workers
Meatpacking Industry
Huff Post: How to Fix a Food System that’s not Designed to Feed People
Workday Minnesota: Giving Thanks to Immigrants and Essential Workers
Facing South: GOP pushes more bans on COVID-19 lawsuits against negligent businesses
World Socialist Website: Workers Struggles: The Americas
Agricultural/Grocery Industry
Overton County News: Church wins against CO governor’s orders
Kroger Mentions
Cincinnati Business Courier: Kroger employees speak out about coronavirus safety concerns
Bloomberg Law: Kroger Employees Ratify Agreement on Pension Fund Withdrawal
Updated 11/30/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
BuzzFeed News: The Coronavirus Outbreaks In Meatpacking Plants Were Likely Much Worse Than Official Numbers Show
Pagosa Daily Post: No Hazard Pay for Colorado Grocery Workers Despite COVID Surge
Colorado Politics: Northern Colorado business, labor frets red level virus restrictions
Colorado Public Radio: Meatpacking Giant JBS Battles New Coronavirus Outbreaks At Greeley Plant And Corporate Offices
UFCW Mentions
Albertsons Companies: Albertsons Companies Associates Ratify Agreement with UFCW Local Unions for Variable Annuity Pension Plan
Grocery Dive: ShopRite reaches COVID-19 hazard pay deal with UFCW
Globe Newswire: Stop & Shop’s Investment of $667 Million in Retirement Benefits for Union Associates Approved by UFCW Locals
New York Magazine: Covid Is Surging, But There’s No More Hazard Pay for Retail Workers
SI Live: ShopRite workers to get retroactive COVID-19 hazard pay
Updated 11/25/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
The Daily Beast: Meat-Plant Workers Slam Rogue Colorado Officials Over Refusal to Enforce COVID Rules
UFCW Mentions
KCNC-TV, CBS 4 News at Noon
KMGH-DEN, ABC 7 News at 5 PM
The Denver Post: Colorado grocery workers worry as Thanksgiving shoppers crowd stores
Grocery Dive: Calls for worker protections and hazard pay increase amid COVID-19 surge
Capital Public Radio News: Supermarket Employees Demand Hero Pay, Protections As COVID-19 Spikes
Supermarket News: UFCW, ShopRite reach deal on COVID-19 hazard pay
Coal Valley News: Kroger workers approve new contract
Parkersburg News: Kroger workers approve contract
WAVY: Virginia frontline workers call for improved COVID-19 precautions ahead of holiday shopping rush
Dodo Finance: Grocery store employees fear they will get sick as corona virus cases continue to rise
World Socialist Web Site: As virus surges in North Dakota, Fargo food distribution workers strike over lack of COVID-19 protections
Meatpacking Industry
Siouxland Fox: Local meatpacking plant ordered to pay former employees unemployment benefits
RFD TV: A new study suggests that meat packing plants were responsible for thousands of COVID related deaths
Insurance Journal: Lawsuit: Nebraska Meatpacking Plant Did Not Protect Workers from Virus
Agricultural/Grocery Industry
My Northwest: Busy grocery workers worry about lack of safety measures
JBS Mentions
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Meatpacking plants tied to more COVID-19 cases than known before, new business outbreak data shows
Safeway/Albertsons Mentions
Colorado Fox News: Protections in place for Thanksgiving shoppers at local grocery stores
Updated 11/24/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
Greeley Tribune: Union leader hopes JBS learned from 1st outbreak, expresses concern about county officials’ ‘personal responsibility’ messaging
UFCW Mentions
The Washington Post: Workers call on Walmart, Amazon and other retailers to bring back hazard pay ahead of holiday rush
Supermarket News: As holiday shopping surges, UFCW calls on retailers to strengthen COVID protections, reinstate hazard pay
CBS News: Grocery store workers fear getting sick as coronavirus cases continue to climb
Boston 25 News: UFCW calling on retail & grocery CEOs to strengthen COVID-19 safeguards for essential workers
CNBC: ‘We haven’t learned’: Grocery workers face new challenges as Covid worsens, pandemic fatigue sets in
USA Today: No masks? No hazard pay? Amid COVID-19 surge, grocery store workers demand protections
Cal Matters: Supermarket employees demand hero pay, protections as COVID-19 spikes
WTRF: West Virginia Retailers Association applauds the Kroger Company and UFCW Local 400 on reaching an agreement
The Hill: Grocery, retail workers urge reinstatement of hazard pay ahead of holiday rush
Yahoo Finance: Walmart, Amazon Workers Seek Pandemic Hazard Pay
Local 12: Grocery store employees want safer environments, better pay
Meatpacking Industry
Reuters: ACLU takes on Nebraska meatpacking plant over COVID-19 safety
Claims Journal: Meatpacking Link Found in Up to 8% of Early U.S. Covid Cases
Democracy Now: Betting Pool? Tyson Managers Bet on How Many Workers Would Get COVID. Advocates Call It Grim Pattern
The Counter: Hazard pay was supposed to compensate workers for Covid-19 risks. It ended up as more of a PR stunt.
The Counter: “It’s a national tragedy”: What a devastating Covid-19 outbreak at a California slaughterhouse reveals about the federal government’s failed pandemic response
Agricultural/Grocery Industry
BBC News: Coronavirus: Retail workers ‘scared’ as cases surge
Stat: ‘Essential workers’ likely to get earlier access to Covid-19 vaccine
The Week: Essential workers are expected to receive COVID-19 vaccine ahead of elderly, high-risk patients
Safeway/Albertsons Mentions
Progressive Grocer: Albertsons Enhances Employee Health Screening Process
Updated 11/23/2020
UFCW Mentions
The Washington Post: Workers call on Walmart, Amazon and other retailers to bring back hazard pay ahead of holiday rush
Local DVM: Kroger employees in West Virginia vote on a new contract
Rdnews Now: UFCW Local 401 pens letter to Kenney calling for mask policy
Courier Journal: Kroger, tell the truth about COVID-19 risks in stores and restore hazard pay for workers
Bethesda Magazine: Re-union?
Meatpacking Industry
The Hill: Coronavirus outbreaks at meatpacking plants linked to 8 percent of early cases: study
Bloomberg: Meatpacking Link Is Found in Up to 8% of Early U.S. Covid Cases
San Francisco Chronicle: Lawsuit: Firm did not protect meatpacking workers from virus
Mother Jones: Biden Would Be a Fool Not to Break Up Huge Food Conglomerates
USA Today: Plagued by COVID-19 outbreaks, the meatpacking industry could be forced to change under Biden
The Colorado Sun: Opinion: This Thanksgiving, let’s show respect for those on the front lines of the COVID-19 war
Plant Based News: Meat Bosses Urge Government To Give Its Workers ‘Priority’ To COVID-19 Vaccine
Brookings Institute: Automation from farm to table: Technology’s impact on the food industry
The Counter: Covid-19 made our food system more vulnerable. Turns out it also generated massive amounts of waste.
The Wall Street Journal: Cargill’s CEO on Preventing Covid-19 Surge From Disrupting the Food Supply
Business Insurance: Tyson hires Holder to investigate alleged bets on COVID-19 infections
Agricultural/Grocery Industry
HuffPost: Trump Neglected Worker Safety During COVID-19. Here’s How Biden Could Fix It.
Westword: King Soopers and COVID-19: Chain With Most Outbreaks on Safety Now
JBS Mentions
AG Web: JBS To Pay COVID-19-Related Healthcare Costs for Employees
National Hog Farmer: JBS to cover 100% of COVID-19 healthcare costs for workforce
Safeway/Albertsons Mentions
Across Colorado: King Soopers, Safeway: Thanksgiving 2020 CO Grocery Store Hours
Updated 11/20/2020
UFCW Mentions
World Socialist Web Site: Managers at Tyson pork plant took bets on how many workers would contract COVID-19
CBS-Fox 59: Kroger in-store voting comes to a close as fate of tentative agreement is unknown
CNBC: Tyson Foods suspends employees after lawsuit alleges managers bet on workers catching Covid
Winnipeg Free Press: UFCW expects confrontations in stores under new measures
Meatpacking Industry
The New York Times: Carving a Turkey and Becoming a Man
The New Republic: Hazard Pay Was Just a Brand Exercise
St. Louis Dispatch: Meatpacking managers suspended for betting on how many workers would get COVID-19
WKMS: Study Links Increased COVID-19 Transmission To Poultry Plants Allowed To Operate Faster
Food & Water Watch: As We’re Giving Thanks, Let’s Resolve To Change Our Food System For The Better
Agricultural/Grocery Industry
Aberdeen News: North Carolina agricultural workers demand COVID-19 protections
Documented: Trump Moves to Suppress Migrant Farmworker Wages
Kroger Mentions
The Motley Fool: COVID-19 Makes Private Labelers Like Kroger, Costco Big Winners
JBS Mentions
Forbes: Meat Giant JBS Cuts Health Insurance Costs For Workers’ Covid-19 Treatment
The Greeley Tribune: JBS plant in Greeley working to contain new early-stage COVID-19 outbreak
Meat and Poultry: JBS USA to pay COVID-related health care costs
The Independent: Hometown Strong: JBS continues to hand out big checks — in more ways than one
The Food Institute: Covid-19 Is Increasing, But Hazard Pay For Retail Employees Is Not
Safeway/Albertsons Mentions
CTV News: 4 more Edmonton-area grocery store employees contract COVID-19
Updated 11/19/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
CBS Denver: #SpreadThanksNotCOVID: Union Calls For More Action From Grocery Stores
Food Dive: By the numbers: Examining the cost of the pandemic on the meat industry
UFCW Mentions
CBS News: Lawsuit claims Tyson Foods managers bet money on employees getting COVID-19
ABC 7: Front-line grocery store workers demand better safety enforcement, hazard pay as COVID cases surge
Meat and Poultry: BLS: Meat, poultry processing injury numbers trend down once again in 2019
Reuters: Tyson Foods suspends employees after lawsuit alleges managers bet on workers catching COVID-19
The New York Times: Virus Cases Rise, but Hazard Pay for Retail Workers Doesn’t
Metro News: Voting on Kroger union contract starts Thursday
Meatpacking Industry
The Wall Street Journal: Tyson Suspends Managers After Lawsuit Claims They Bet on Covid-19 Infections
NBC News: Suit alleges Tyson Food plant manager bet on how many workers would get coronavirus
USA Today: Tyson suspends managers at pork plant who placed bets on how many workers would get COVID-19
Democracy Now: Lawsuit Alleges Tyson Foods Managers Wagered on Meatpackers’ Coronavirus Infection Rate
Des Moines Register: Lawsuit: Tyson managers bet money on how many workers would contract COVID-19
KCUR 89.3: Efforts To Help Small Meatpacking Plants In Missouri May Take Time
Agricultural/Grocery Industry
Denver Business Journal: Covid-19 outbreak lingers for Aurora dessert bakery, with dozens infected and a death
WCIA: From the Farm: COVID-19’s impact on agriculture
Forbes: Corporate Greed Won’t Bring Back Hazard Pay To Workers—Even With The Resurgence Of Covid-19
JBS Mentions
9NBC News: There are 958 active COVID-19 outbreaks across Colorado. Here’s a look at them by category
Greeley Tribune: Man arrested on suspicion of trespassing into JBS beef plant to try getting back with ex
Updated 11/18/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
Jacobin Magazine: Meatpacking Workers With COVID-19 Symptoms Are Still Being Forced to Work
UFCW Mentions
The Denver Channel: King Soopers and Safeway see increase in COVID-19 cases among staff
World Socialist Web Site: Biden recruits unions to keep workplaces open as pandemic surges
Meat and Poultry: Smithfield Foods contests Cal/OSHA fine
Meatpacking Industry
OHS: Meatpacking Industry Achieves Record Low Workplace Injury Rate
Lawfare: Understanding Trump’s Invocation of the Defense Production Act for Meat
The Hill: Five actions Biden should take to build a more humane food system
Mashed: Why these food industry groups are asking for COVID vaccine priority
Kroger Mentions
Yahoo News: King Soopers/Kroger and Safeway Albertsons see increase in COVID-19 cases among staff
The Herald-Dispatch: Kroger, union workers reach tentative contract agreement
Updated 11/17/2020
UFCW Mentions
Newsweek: Farmer John Meatpacking Plant Fined for Exposing Hundreds of Its Workers to COVID
CNN: Don’t rely on a negative test result to see your family for Thanksgiving
People’s World: Union leaders to Biden, Harris: U.S. needs coronavirus, economic relief
The Spokesman Review: Grocers preparing for surge in demand as new statewide restrictions, busy holiday season approach
WCNC: Grocery stores may limit some items as new COVID-19 restrictions take effect
Meatpacking Industry
Food & Wine (via MSN): The Food Industry Wants Vaccine Priority for Its Workers
The Counter: President-elect Biden vows to beef up OSHA
Food Drive: OSHA comes under fire for ‘paltry’ fines and lax guidance to meat plants
Kroger Mentions
The Sault News: Grocery stores see rush amid 3-week shutdowns, COVID-19 spike in Michigan
JBS Mentions
Food Processing: Editor’s Plate: Why There’s No Second Wave of Coronavirus in Meat Plants
Explica: He worked for decades in a processing plant. He died of coronavirus
Updated 11/16/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
Progressive Grocer: Union, Albertsons Advise Grocery Customers to Wear Masks
UFCW Mentions
The Washington Post: How Biden could revamp worker health protections in the midst of the deadly pandemic
CNBC: Biden holds joint meeting with union leaders and CEOs of major retail, auto and tech companies
Metro News: Strike averted: UFCW, Kroger reach tentative deal on new contract
The Brandon Sun: Sobeys brings back lockdown bonus pay
Meatpacking Industry
The Wall Street Journal: Meat Giant Tyson Girds for Virus Surge, Tracking Covid-19 With Algorithms
Seeking Alpha: Tyson turns to COVID-19 algos to maintain meat output
The Huffington Post: Smithfield Fined $58,000 For Serious COVID Hazards At California Plant
Des Moines Register: ACLU of Iowa, unions file complaint saying state OSHA failed to do its job, protect workers against COVID-19
Pork: Meat Industry Reaches All-Time Low Injury Rate Despite Activist Claims
Radio: Cal-OSHA issues citations, fines against Farmer John owner amid hundreds of COVID-19 cases among workers
St. Louis Public Radio: State And Federal Efforts To Help Small Meatpacking Plants May Take Time
Greeley Tribune: Colorado has no COVID-19 capacity limits for grocery stores, prompting chains to create their own policies
JBS Mentions
Associated Press (Also posted in ABC News, The Colorado Sun, others): Lives Lost: Mexican meatpacker left legacy of compassion
The Denver Channel: Denver7 viewers step up to buy headstone for JBS employee who died after contracting COVID-19
Safeway/Albertsons Mentions
The Denver Post: Colorado has no COVID-19 capacity limits for grocery stores, prompting chains to create their own policies
King Soopers Mentions
CBS Denver: King Soopers To Hold Statewide Hiring Event Saturday
Updated 11/12/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
The Hill: Business groups shudder at thought of Sanders as Labor secretary
UFCW Mentions
World Socialist Web Site: West Virginia Kroger workers reject sellout agreement, vote overwhelmingly to strike
The Peterborough Examiner: Loblaw raises shareholders dividend but won’t be reinstating ‘hero pay’ to front-line workers
CBS 2 Iowa: Top union attacks USDA over faster line speed proposal amid pandemic
Meatpacking Industry
USA Today: ‘They think workers are like dogs.’ How pork plant execs sacrificed safety for profits.
The Gazette: OSHA finds nearly $1 million in coronavirus violations nationwide
Kroger Mentions
Huntington Herald Daily: Kroger begins accepting applications for replacement workers as possible work stoppage looms
JBS Mentions
COVID-19: Weld County case, testing and outbreak data for the week of Nov. 11
Updated 11/11/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
NPR: Meatpacking Giant JBS Denies Workers’ Coronavirus Claims
UFCW Mentions
In These Times: Meatpacking Workers Say Attendance Policies Force Them to Work With Covid-19 Symptoms
1420 WBSM: FALL RIVER CANNABIS WORKERS UNIONIZE
Meatpacking Industry
Yahoo News: Food system workers may get earlier access to a COVID-19 vaccine
The Washington Post: Veterans Day is a time to consider how to reward front-line covid-19 workers
GPB: Meat Manufacturer Sues New Mexico After Plant Ordered To Close Due To COVID-19 Cases
Taunton Daily Gazette (via USA Today): The CDC chief lost his way during COVID-19. Now his agency is in the balance.
Kroger Mentions
PR Newswire: Wisconsin Teamsters Put At Risk By Kroger
WCPO 9 ABC Cincinnati: Kroger places new product limits as shoppers start to stock up again
JBS Mentions
Poultry: Brazil’s meatpackers face on-going sustainability issues
Updated 11/10/2020
UFCW Mentions
World Socialist Web Site: Workers Struggles: The Americas
Rabble: Study seeks to interview temporary foreign workers in the Maritimes
Meatpacking Industry
Food and Environment Reporting Network: Food system workers may get early access to a Covid-19 vaccine, but how should states prepare?
Live Insurance News: Cost of workers’ compensation in US falling, but coverage is on its way up
Progressive Farmer: NM Meat Plant Fights to Reopen
ProPublica: Most States Aren’t Ready to Distribute the Leading COVID-19 Vaccine
S&P Global: COVID-19 intensifies investor scrutiny of meat producers’ operating methods
JBS Mentions
Reuters: Socially conscious investors rank Brazil’s JBS, BRF ‘medium’ risk, Minerva ‘high’
The Nation: JBS introduces work from anywhere policy
Updated 11/9/2020
UFCW Mentions
The Washington Post: From tech titans to business groups, congratulations roll in for Biden and Harris
Supermarket News: Kroger Houston, UFCW 455 spar over pay, health benefits
The Register-Herald: Kroger union rejects contract offer, authorizes strike
WCHS ABC 8: UFCW rejects Kroger contract offer, workers cite safety and health insurance concerns
Meatpacking Industry
The New York Times: Even as Trump Cut Immigration, Immigrants Transformed U.S.
Des Moines Register: Rural America left behind without a stimulus, but Congress can still make a difference
Kroger Mentions
ABC 13: KROGER EMPLOYEES SET TO RECEIVE A PAY INCREASE FOR NEXT 6 MONTHS
Houston Chronicle: Kroger announces wage increases as Houston workers weigh possible strike
The Food Institute: AS COVID-19 CASES RISE, HOW ARE GROCERS HELPING WITH TESTING?
CNBC: A Covid vaccine could mean a slowdown in growth for grocers that benefited from shuttered restaurants, report says
JBS Mentions
Food Safety News: JBS, S.A. shareholders agree to sue Joesley and Wesley Batista
Updated 11/6/2020
UFCW Mentions
Supermarket News: Trader Joe’s gives update on COVID-19 among store associates
Airdrie Today: Third COVID-19 outbreak at Harmony Beef in Balzac
Metro News: UFCW to count votes Friday on Kroger contract
WCHS ABC 8: Kroger union workers reject company contract offer, OK strike if no deal reached
Meatpacking Industry
Successful Farming: SOME STATES TOUGHER THAN OSHA ON CORONAVIRUS WORKPLACE OUTBREAKS
JBS Mentions
Food Dive: JBS settles a portion of pork price-fixing lawsuit
NTV ABC: Hometown Strong: JBS donations to Grand Island top $2 million
Updated 11/5/2020
UFCW Mentions
Vice: Here’s What Labor Unions Say They’re Doing to Protect the Vote
WSWS: Regulations in the meat industry weaken as coronavirus pandemic strengthens
Meatpacking Industry
Daily Gazette: Kennedy: Meat sells well during COVID
Workers Compensation: New Data on Workers’ Compensation Show Benefits Declining Nationally, Coverage Increasing
Kroger Mentions
Westworld: Denver Broncos an Official COVID-19 Outbreak: See 197 New Spreaders
JBS Mentions
Greeley Tribune: How Colorado’s outbreak data, meant to instill trust, could be doing the opposite
9News: Active COVID-19 outbreaks at Colorado social gatherings, restaurants, schools and more
Updated 11/4/2020
UFCW Mentions
NW Labor Press: UFCW forms PAC to push for COVID-19 workers comp
Agricultural Industry
Food Tank: How the 2020 Election Will Impact Food, Agriculture, and Labor in the U.S.
Merco Press: US soybeans being loaded in Louisiana for Brazil
JBS Mentions
Food Dive: Lawmaker calls for probe into JBS’ government subsidies
Updated 11/3/2020
UFCW Mentions
Metro News: Kroger union workers begin voting on latest contract Tuesday
Mountain Messenger: New contract or strike for Kroger workers considered by union vote
Kroger Mentions
FDN: Kroger Will Offer Rapid Antibody Testing By End Of November
Watt Poultry: 50 workers test positive for COVID-19 at Moy Park plant
Baker City Herald: Outbreaks in the food system
Meatpacking Industry
The New York Times: ‘Clearly, Coloradans have lapsed’: New virus cases are setting records in Colorado.
November 11/2/2020
UFCW Mentions
Manitoba Co-Operator: Second Blumenort poultry plant worker dies of COVID-19
Meatpacking Industry
Bloomberg Law: Workplace Safety Targeted in Watchdog’s New Virus-Oversight Plan
The Regulatory Review: OSHA’s Role in Combating the COVID-19 Pandemic
Civil Eats: How Four Years of Trump Reshaped Food and Farming
ABC News: Midwestern states with few virus rules have low unemployment
JBS Mentions
Reuters: Meatpacker JBS to seek damages from founders after Brazil shareholder vote
Manufacturing.net: JBS Fined Again for COVID Violations
Meat and Poultry: JBS shareholders to sue Batistas, former managers for damages
Greeley Tribune: Greeley Tribune Endorsement: Mike Freeman reflects on past four years, looks ahead to next term
Greeley Tribune: Greeley-Evans School District 6 foundation pitches in to buy 2,600 thermometers for families at 12 schools
Updated 10/30/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
The Denver Post: Letters: Making the most difficult decisions impossible (10/28/20)
NRDC: COVID-19 Has Exposed the Gross Exploitation of Meatpacking Workers
UFCW Mentions
The Counter: Whistleblower says JBS asked employees to pay $100 for Covid-19 tests. Shocker: few participated.
CNN: About 20% of grocery store workers had Covid-19, and most didn’t have symptoms, study found
Meatpacking Industry
Lost Coast Outpost: What Cal/Osha Has — and Hasn’t — Been Doing for Workers?
JBS Mentions
Des Moines Register: Jose Andrade-Garcia, a meatpacker and father of six, loved cooking shrimp soup and beef stew for his family
Greeley Tribune: Greeley-Evans School District 6 foundation pitches in to buy 2,600 thermometers for families at 12 schools
Reuters: Meatpacker JBS to seek damages from founders after Brazil shareholder vote
Food Processing: Conagra, JBS Hit with COVID Fines
Updated 10/29/2020
UFCW Mentions
Street Insider: Pennsylvania Business Leaders Join A Day for Democracy Initiative and Pledge to Help Their Employees Vote
Meatpacking Industry
The Washington Post: Health-care workers file lawsuit against OSHA, accusing agency of failing to keep them safe
Colorado Public Radio: Coronavirus Outbreaks Set New Record As A Third Wave Of Infections Keeps Growing
Fortune: America Ferrera: Latinas are essential. Pay us.
The Counter: Tyson Foods employees will replace USDA inspectors at Kansas beef plant
Food Drive: Tyson to use own workers instead of some federal inspectors at beef plant
KULR8: Wyoming meatpacking company to expand thanks to federal grant
Kroger Mentions
Grocery Dive: Kroger becomes first retailer to provide COVID-19 antibody testing
JBS Mentions
Food Dive: OSHA fines JBS, Conagra for violations during pandemic
Updated 10/28/2020
UFCW Mentions
Vancouver: Labour union calls on B.C.’s top doctor to mandate masks in grocery stores
Rabble: Advocates call for legislation to rectify misclassification of gig workers
Meatpacking Industry
iPolitics: Let’s not bet the farm on industrial food policy
Ms. Magazine: Weaponizing Objectivity: The Politics of the CDC
Bangor Daily: Workers penalized for reporting COVID safety violations
Agri-Pulse: Tyson to pilot new beef inspection protocol at Holcomb plant
RFDTV: The PRIME Act is aiming to support small and local meat processors
Kroger Mentions
Cincinnati Business Courier: Kroger becomes first U.S. retailer to offer rapid antibody testing
Updated 10/27/2020
UFCW Mentions
WSWS: Automation drive accelerates in meatpacking industry in response to coronavirus pandemic
Meatpacking Industry
The Atlantic: The Pandemic’s Toll on Meatpacking Workers
Kroger Mentions
The Register Herald: Kroger Mid-Atlantic proposes additional wage investment of more than $20 million
Supermarket News: Kroger enacts sweeping plan to promote diversity and inclusion
The Atlanta Voice: Kroger announces commitment to action plan for diversity
JBS Mentions
The Counter: Whistleblower says JBS asked employees to pay $100 for Covid-19 tests. Shocker: few participated.
Meat and Poultry: OSHA cites JBS Foods, Conagra for workplace violations
Updated 10/26/2020
UFCW Mentions
WBOY: UFCW Local 400 associates protest for better contracts
Newsday: UFCW Local 2013 says some companies not taking proper safety precautions
Meatpacking Industry
Newsradio KYM: Pa. meat producers say they are nimble enough to survive another COVID-19 spike
USA Today: When working from home wasn’t an option: How employers try to make working from work safer
Kroger Mentions
ABC WOAY: Kroger Mid-Atlantic Proposes Additional Wage Investment of More than $20 Million
Cincinnati Business Courier: Kroger commits to 10 steps to boost equity, inclusion across stores and communities
JBS Mentions
Law 360: JBS, Conagra Among Latest Wave Of OSHA Virus Fines
Updated 10/23/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette (REPOST via The New York Times: OSHA Criticized for Lax Regulation of Meatpacking in Pandemic
Colorado Politics: ELECTION 2020 | Julián Castro set to join Biden campaign bus as it rolls through Colorado
UFCW Mentions
Newsday: UFCW Local 2013 says some companies not taking proper safety precautions (Video)
Benzinga: Unions Scramble To Gain Traction In Cannabis
JBS Mentions
Green Bay Press Gazette: OSHA fines JBS Packerland for failing to implement safety precautions during COVID-19 outbreak that sickened more than 300
WSAW-TV: OSHA fines JBS Green Bay for coronavirus violations; company responds
Updated 10/22/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
The New York Times: OSHA Criticized for Lax Regulation of Meatpacking in Pandemic
UFCW Mentions
Center for American Progress: The USDA Is Prioritizing Corporations Over Poor People During a Pandemic
DCist: These D.C. Weed Workers Are The First Local Dispensary Employees To Unionize
CBC: 27 COVID-19 cases at Manitoba’s largest poultry plant apparently linked to community spread, province says
People’s World: Massive union coalition takes Trump to court over coronavirus PPE failure
Meatpacking Industry
Common Dreams: Here’s How Meatpacking Corporations Could Protect Workers From COVID-19—and What They’re Doing Instead
CTV News: Quebec meatpacking worker tested positive for COVID-19 one day before he died
JBS Mentions
The Grocer: Greenpeace calls on mults to drop JBS-owned suppliers over bribery scandal
9 News: Active COVID-19 outbreaks at Colorado social gatherings, restaurants, schools and more
Colorado Politics: 3 Colorado bishops back COVID-19 health orders following federal judge’s ruling
Safeway/Albertsons Mentions
The Wall Street Journal: There’s a Sale at Albertsons
Updated 10/21/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
Pulitzer Center: Meatpacking Workers Say Attendance Policy Forces Them To Work With Potential COVID-19 Symptoms
UFCW Mentions
Successful Farming: PUBLIC HEALTH EXPERTS WARN OF POSSIBLE COVID-19 RESURGENCE AT FOOD PLANTS THIS FALL
Food and Environment Reporting Network: Could the food system face a new Covid-19 wave?
Meatpacking Industry
The Washington Times: Judge bars Colorado governor from enforcing mask, capacity rules against two churches
Modern Farmer: Pilgrim’s Pride Will Pay $110 Million Settlement in Chicken Price-Fixing Case
Colorado Politics: Federal judge exempts 2 Colorado churches from mask, capacity limits
CBC: Major COVID-19 outbreak at an Olymel meat processing facility in the Beauce region
Updated 10/20/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
The Intercept: How Trump Gutted Osha And Workplace Safety Rules
Sentient Media: Meatpacking Workers Say Attendance Policy Forces Them to Work with Potential COVID-19 Symptoms
UFCW Mentions
Fortune: Why stronger labor unions would speed up America’s post-COVID recovery
Meatpacking Industry
Food Dive: Smithfield names insider as new CEO
Side Effects: COVID-19 Spikes In Rural Areas, Where Hospitals Face Financial Struggle
JBS Mentions
Food Navigator: Meat majors accused of exposing workers to abuse during coronavirus pandemic
Updated 10/19/2020
UFCW Mentions
Global News: Coronavirus: Concerns over possible labour shortage in food-processing industry
Meatpacking Industry
The Soapbox: The Media’s Both-Sides Brigade Is Wrong About a Covid-19 Stimulus Deal
Bloomberg Government: Pandemic Meat Shortage Spurs Calls to Shift Slaughterhouse Rules
The Ring of Fire Network: Industry Shifts Blame As Thousands Of Meatpacking Employees Have Contracted COVID (Video)
The Financial Times: Pilgrim’s Pride receive chicken feed fine from the DoJ
Kroger Mentions
CNBC: Target to pay more than $70 million in bonuses to hourly employees ahead of holidays
JBS Mentions
The Denver Post: Democrats raise more than Republicans in Colorado’s competitive races
Food Navigator: JBS: ‘Our suppliers are producing more while using less land’
Ops Lens: JBS Meatpackers Fined $280 Million Over Bribery to Fund US Expansion
Poultry: On World Food Day, JBS initiated meal distribution, food debate
The Rio Times: Brazilian Controller of World’s Largest Meatpacker JBS Pleads Guilty to FCPA Charges
Merco Press: World’s largest meatpacker, Brazil’s J&F, pleads guilty in US court on corruption charges
Updated 10/16/2020
UFCW Mentions
Ganjapreneur: San Francisco Dispensary Employees Ratify Union Contract
Meatpacking Industry
Greeley Tribune: Colorado has more active COVID-19 outbreaks now than any time since pandemic began
The Hill: CDC: Blacks, Hispanics dying of COVID-19 at disproportionately high rates
Reprint) Perishable News: Owners of Meatpacker JBS To Pay $ 280M Fine Over Foreign Bribery Charges
Global Biodefense: Smithfield Outbreak: CDC Director Gives Contradictory Testimony on White House Interference
Counter Punch: Farmers and Meatpackers Are Teaming Up
JBS Mentions
Reuters: Brazil producing more meat using less land, JBS CEO says
Work Comp Central: Claims Denied at Meat Plant; Workers Fear New OSHA Rule Will Ease Virus Reporting
Updated 10/15/2020
UFCW Mentions
Salon: Trump treats essential workers as expendable, and many Americans are following his dangerous lead
Common Dreams: Farmers and Meatpackers Are Teaming Up
Meatpacking Industry
The Hill: Baldwin calls for Senate hearing on CDC response to meatpacking plant coronavirus outbreak
Associated Press (via Idaho State Journal): Meatpacking plant outbreak much worse than reported
Des Moines Register (via MSN): $750,000 donation to help immigrant farmworkers, meatpacking workers struggling with COVID-19 in Iowa
JBS Mentions
The Denver Post: Colorado has more active COVID-19 outbreaks now than any time since pandemic began
Business Insider India: Sen. Cory Gardner gave a non-answer when asked about his ties to a Brazilian meatpacking company that was wracked by a COVID-19 outbreak at its plant in Colorado
World Socialist Web Site: Whistleblowers: Colorado meatpacking plant used threats and lies to keep potentially infected workers on the job
The Wall Street Journal: Meat Giant JBS’s Owner Settles U.S. Corruption Charges
Fox Business: Pilgrim’s Pride reaches plea deal with Justice Department on chicken price-fixing allegations
Greeley Tribune: Pilgrim’s Pride to pay $110.5M to settle in federal price-fixing investigation
Update 10/14/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
CPR News: ‘We Don’t Want Other People to Suffer’: JBS Families Wait, Fight And Hope For Accountability
UFCW Mentions
Yahoo Money: ‘The majority will vote for Biden’: Florida’s unions throw support behind ex-VP
Bloomberg Law: Minnesota Judge to Decide Whether to Slow Swine Slaughter Speeds
Meatpacking Industry
Fortune: How a Biden administration could reverse the four-decade decline of America’s working class
Des Moines Register: $750,000 donation to help immigrant farmworkers, meatpacking workers struggling with COVID-19 in Iowa
JBS Mentions
Reuters: Parent of Brazil’s JBS pleads guilty to U.S. foreign bribery charges
Reuters: Brazil charges JBS unit over coronavirus worker protection, 18th suit against JBS
Shadow Proof: WHISTLEBLOWER HIRED TO SCREEN WORKERS FOR COVID-19 EXPOSES MEATPACKING CORPORATION’S OPPRESSIVE CONDUCT
Coloradoan: Watch: Cory Gardner and John Hickenlooper debate in Fort Collins at CSU
Business Insider: Sen. Cory Gardner gave a non-answer when asked about his ties to a Brazilian meatpacking company that was wracked by a COVID-19 outbreak at its plant in Colorado (Video)
The Hill: Owners of meatpacker JBS to pay $280M fine over foreign bribery charges
Common Dreams: Farmers and Meatpackers Are Teaming Up
Update 10/13/2020
Meatpacking Industry
The Washington Post: 24 hours in the life of American workers
Des Moines Register: $750,000 donation to help immigrant farmworkers, meatpacking workers struggling with COVID-19 in Iowa
Food & Water Watch: The GOP Is Holding Your COVID Relief Bill Hostage So Corporations Can Duck Lawsuits
Ms.: Latinas Had the Highest Unemployment Rate This Year—and It’s Driving Them to Vote
Colorado Politics: Coronavirus in Colorado: The latest numbers
JBS Mentions
ABC 4: New report confirms 1 dead, 441 employees sick due to COVID-19 at JBS plant in Hyrum
Manufacturing Business Technology: JBS Faces COVID Protocol Negligence Accusations
Updated 10/12/2020
Meatpacking Industry
Insurance Journal: Utah Meatpacking Plant Had 441 COVID Cases, 1 Death
Kroger Mentions
WCHS ABC 8: Kroger workers protest, call for return of more hazard benefits
JBS Mentions
The Denver Channel: Whistleblower says COVID-19 screening process at JBS plant places employees in danger
Yahoo News: Former medical assistant at JBS speaks out about meatpacking plant’s issues with coronavirus (Video)
Updated 10/9/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
Westword: King Soopers’ Response to Complaints About Poor Mask Use
UFCW Mentions
(Repost) Yahoo News: Family can’t afford headstone for JBS employee who passed away after testing positive for COVID-19
Food Industry
Total Retail: For Food Retailers, Maintaining Employee Morale is Key to Weathering a Crisis
JBS Mentions
USA Today: Post-COVID partying, therapy dogs, rising hospitalizations: News from around our 50 states
Updated 10/8/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
Payday Report: Over 44,000 Meatpackers Tested Positive for COVID – OSHA Hasn’t Issued COVID Fine for More than $30,000 – Philly Firefighters Protest Trump Endorsement
UFCW Mentions
Mirage: Labor unions are providing necessary layer of protection for LGBTQ workers
Center for Biological Diversity: Lawsuit Targets Feds’ Failure to Protect Frontline Workers From COVID-19
Meatpacking Industry
The Washington Post: Labor agency closes more than half of workers’ coronavirus retaliation complaints without investigating
Common Dreams: US Labor Unions File UN Complaint Accusing Trump Administration of “Outrageous” Violations of Workers’ Rights Amid Pandemic
Security Magazine: Death on the Job report shows effect of COVID-19 on the workplace; workplace violence 2nd leading cause of occupational fatalities
Denver Business Journal: Second Pilgrim’s Pride ex-CEO embroiled in federal price-fixing investigation
Mongabay: Research links industrial pig farming and virus outbreaks
JBS Mentions
The Colorado Sun: JBS meatpacking plant in Greeley accused of negligence after COVID-19 outbreak (Repost)
The Gazette: Report: 2 former employees allege deliberate skirting of COVID-19 protocols at JBS Greeley plant
Updated 10/7/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
Baltimore Sun: After meat workers die of COVID-19, families fight for compensation
[Repost: The Morning Call: After meat workers die of COVID-19, families fight for compensation]
UFCW Mentions
Beaumont Enterprise: Union workers protest Kroger for hazard pay, insurance changes
Rockland County Business Journal: Pandemic Has Elevated Role Of Supermarkets Like Stop & Shop; Sales Expected To Remain Elevated Through 2020
Meatpacking Industry
The Hill: Democrats demand answers from Labor Department on CDC recommendations for meatpacking plant
The Washington Post: In the U.S., states — not science — decide what counts as a coronavirus outbreak
Perishable News: Meat Plants Unlikely to Close Over COVID-19 Again, Exec Says
Herald Review: Colorado plant accused of negligence after COVID-19 outbreak
JBS Mentions
Greeley Tribune: Whistleblowers: JBS’ COVID-19 screening process encouraged employees to work while sick, discouraged accurate screening
Food processing: JBS CEO: We’ve Turned Corner on COVID
Updated 10/6/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
New York Times: After Meat Workers Die of Covid-19, Families Fight for Compensation
The Food Institute: ARE ANOTHER WAVE OF MEAT PLANT SHUTDOWNS LIKELY?
UFCW Mentions
Picque NewsMagazine: Whistler union organizer banking on years of advocacy to carry him into office
Meatpacking Industry
Politico: Trump’s workplace watchdog assailed for lenient penalties on Covid safety violators
Des Moines Register: Family of Tyson employee in Iowa who died of COVID-19 sues company, alleging gross negligence
Fair Warning: OSHA Blamed for Going AWOL During Covid-19
Common Dreams: COVID-19 and the Global Addiction to Cheap Migrant Labour
NBC: Latino workers are at increased risk of dying on the job, new report says
JBS Mentions
The Wall Street Journal: Fresh Wave of Meat Plant Shutdowns Unlikely, JBS USA Chief Says
New York Post: Meat plants unlikely to close over COVID-19 again, exec says
Mongabay: Stock indices let Brazil meatpackers shed ties to deforestation, draw investors
VegNews: New Report Highlights Link Between Meat Companies and 2020 Amazon Fires
Updated 10/5/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
The Pig Site: COVID-19 crisis spurs automation at abattoirs
UFCW Mentions
Supermarket News: Amazon reports nearly 20,000 COVID-infected frontline workers since March
World Socialist Web Site: Ninth COVID-19 death reported at California poultry processor Foster Farms
Meatpacking Industry
The Hill: Trump ordered meatpacking plants open — now, workers are left holding the bag
The Washington Post: Coronavirus can afflict the powerful. Yet food workers remain the most vulnerable.
NET: After Another Chaotic Year, Some Wonder If It’s Time To Change The Beef Industry
Kroger Mentions
The Seattle Times: Black Lives Matter logos in the workplace divide employers, workers and customers
Updated 10/1/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
San Francisco Chronicle: Colorado says deadliest workplace COVID-19 outbreak resolved
CPR News: The JBS Coronavirus Outbreak Is Officially Resolved, But Workers’ Families Are Still Fighting For Compensation
St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Meatpackers in the Americas accelerate automation after outbreaks, lagging Europe
UFCW Mentions
CBS 4 Denver: Report: COVID-19-Related Workers’ Compensation Claims Denied By JBS
Huffington Post: Grocery Chains Fined For Allegedly Endangering Workers During Pandemic
JBS Mentions
Greeley Tribune: Deadly COVID-19 outbreak at JBS Greeley plant declared over after 5 months
The Denver Post: Deadly COVID-19 outbreak at JBS Greeley plant declared over after 5 months
Denver Business Journal: How Colorado’s growing global trade business has been impacted by coronavirus
Updated 9/30/2020
UFCW Mentions
CBS Denver: Plant Employee Union Says JBS Denied Worker’s Comp To Families Affected By COVID
9News: Report: JBS denies worker COVID-19 compensation claims
Everett Independent: UFCW and Stop & Shop Announce New Premium Pay Agreement for Grocery Workers on Frontlines
Meatpacking Industry
Mother Jones: A California Chicken Plant Just Had the Deadliest Meatpacking Outbreak Yet
Minneapolis Star Tribune: Majority of workers’ compensation claims of meatpacking workers with COVID-19 denied, including in Minnesota
Meat and Poultry: Minnesota federal judge dismisses lawsuit against meatpackers
Successful Farming: HOUSE BILL AIMS FOR MORE LOCAL MEAT PRODUCTION
Progressive Farmer: Small Packer Processing Bill Introduced in House
Real Agriculture: How ready is the processing industry for a second wave of COVID-19?
JBS Mentions
The Denver Post: Deadly COVID-19 outbreak at JBS Greeley plant declared over after 5 months
The Grand Island Independent: County commissioners applaud JBS safety efforts
Meat and Poultry: CFIA updates JBS Food Canada ground beef recall
Updated 9/29/2020
UFCW Mentions
Meat and Poultry: Seven attorneys general challenge swine slaughter lawsuit
Reuters: Meatpackers deny workers benefits for virus-related deaths, illnesses
CNBC: Meatpackers deny workers benefits for virus-related deaths, illnesses
Insurance Journal: Meat Plant Workers Being Denied Workers’ Compensation for COVID-19: Reuters
The Desert Review: Newsom signs Legislation from Farmworker COVID-19 Relief Package
Updated 9/28/2020
UFCW Mentions
Williamette Week: Oregon Lawmaker Files Ethics Complaint Against Union Lobbyist
Abasto: UFCW AND STOP & SHOP NEW PREMIUM PAY AGREEMENT WILL BENEFIT 56,000 GROCERY WORKERS
WHDH 7 News: Stop & Shop to give retroactive pay increase for associates on the front line
The Register Citizen: Tentative deal will give Stop & Shop workers retroactive premium pay for working during the pandemic
Kroger Mentions
Texas Insider: Union Fights Against Stable, Secure Healthcare Benefits for Kroger Workers
JBS Mentions
Meat and Poultry: JBS Food Canada’s Provigo ground beef recalled
Updated 9/25/2020
UFCW Mentions
Supermarket News: Stop & Shop, UFCW reach accord on Covid-19 hazard pay
The Abington Journal: Election 2020: Area union steward talks about backing Biden
Winsight Grocery Business: UFCW, Stop & Shop Reach Deal for Retroactive Premium Pay
Cape Cod News: Grocery Union and Stop & Shop Reach Deal for Hazard Pay for Workers
Herald Net: Hot button issue: Stores ask employees to remove ‘BLM’ pins
Counter Punch: As COVID-19 hit Georgia Meatpacking Counties, Officials and Industry Shifted Blame
Mongabay: BlackRock’s $400m stake in Amazon meatpackers defies sustainability cred
KBOE: TAMA BEEF PLANT FINED AFTER COVID-19 OUTBREAK
The American Prospect: Trump’s War on Workers
Food Safety Tech: Four Influential Technologies Changing Food Manufacturing
The List: This is why meat prices keep getting cheaper
Kroger Mentions
Progressive Grocer: How Kroger Battles Waste During the Pandemic
Hotty Toddy: Shopping In a Pandemic: Kroger “Can’t Keep Alfredo on the Shelf”
JBS Mentions
Food Bev Media: BNDES seeks backing for JBS lawsuit over bribery damage
The Daily Chronicle: Organic Beef Market Growth Rate By Key Vendors JBS, Danish Crown, Tyson, Meyer
Updated 9/24/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
Business Insider: Colorado Sen. Cory Gardner received $24,000 in PAC donations from a meatpacking corporation. He’s largely remained quiet about the company’s record-setting coronavirus outbreak.
UFCW Mentions
OHS: UFCW Launches Campaign in Support of Grocery Worker Hazard Pay
JDSupra: NLRB Issues Several Advice Memoranda Providing Guidance on COVID-Related and Other Workplace Issues
Kroger Mentions
USA Today: Fact check: Kroger employee uniform policy doesn’t permit any political messaging
JBS Mentions
The Week: GOP Sen. Cory Gardner stayed mum on meatpacking coronavirus outbreaks as he received industry donations
Nasdaq: Brazil’s BNDES seeks JBS investors’ backing for anti-management suit
Mongabay: BlackRock’s $400m stake in Amazon meatpackers defies sustainability cred
Washington Post: Iowa fines beef plant $957 after huge coronavirus outbreak
Meat and Poultry: JBS announced assistance for cattle ranchers, sustainability efforts in the Amazon
Reuters: Brazil’s BNDES asks JBS’s shareholders to support legal action against controlling shareholders, execs
Bitcoin, Blockchain, and Cryptocurrency News: Brazil: Meatpacking Industry Giant Taps Blockchain Technology to Fight Deforestation
Updated 9/21/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
Magic Valley: Jim Hightower: Pandemic in the Plants
UFCW Mentions
Mother Jones: Emails Show the Meatpacking Industry Drafted an Executive Order to Keep Plants Open
Texas GOP Vote: Unions: Put Your Money Where Your Mouth is and Support Workers
Meatpacking Industry
Bloomberg: America Is Lagging Behind the World in Protecting Meat Workers
Farm Progress: U.S. lags in meat worker COVID-19 protection
Columbia Daily Tribune: Farm and Food File: The Big Meat Gang is getting awfully smelly
7 News: This is why a vaccine will not stop the COVID-19 pandemic right away
Richmond Times-Dispatch: Labor Law: Should companies require workers to sign a COVID waiver?
Kroger Mentions
Fox Business: Kroger fired Arkansas workers who refused to wear LGBT logo, lawsuit says
JBS Mentions
Greeley Tribune: Weld Democrats gather to support Biden, down-ballot candidates as Election Day nears
PETA: JBS Deforestation Scandal Spotlighted in PETA Billboard
UFCW Local 7 OSHA Protest 9/16/2020
Rachel Maddow Show: Slap-on-the-wrist fine for multi-billion dollar meat corporations
KUNC: Workers Union Protests ‘Measly’ COVID-19 Fine Issued To JBS Plant In Greeley
Wisconsin State Farmer: Colorado workers protest COVID-19 fine issued to meat plant
The Colorado Sun: Workers protest $15,615 federal fine for JBS meatpacking plant in Greeley where coronavirus killed six
The Durango Herald: Colorado workers protest COVID-19 fine issued to meat plant
Fox 31 Denver: Union says JBS fine doesn’t go far enough
Antelope Valley Press: Colorado workers protest meat plant
Muskogee Daily Phoenix: Hightower: Pandemic in processing plants
Courthouse News Service: Rivaling Population of Nepal, 29M Americans Got Unemployment Last Week
The Hill: Colorado meatpacking union protests ‘ineffectual’ federal fine amid coronavirus
9News: Colorado workers protest COVID-19 fine issued to meatpacking plant
Nonprofit Quarterly: The Price of a Meatpacker: OSHA Deeply Fails Essential Workers
Noticias Ya: PROTESTAN CONTRA MULTA DE 15 MIL DÓLARES A JBS
Yahoo News: JBS fine irks union, draws protest
CBS 4 Denver: Dozens Protest OSHA Fine Handed Down To JBS For Failure To Protect Employees
Yahoo News: JBS Meat Plant Union Workers Protest Outside OSHA Offices
Updated 9/16/2020
Common Dreams: Pandemic in the Plants. The Meat Plants, That Is
MSNBC -Rachel Maddow Show
KMGH-DEN (ABC) – Denver, CO 7 News Now
AP: Colorado Workers Protest COVID-19 Fine Issued to Meat Plant
Supermarket News: UFCW ratifies new contract with Kroger Dallas division
One Green Planet: Critics Condemn OSHA’s “Insufficient” COVID-19 Fines on Major Meatpacking Plants
Common Dreams: USDA and Meatpacking Industry Collaborated to Undermine Covid-19 Response, Documents Show
Food Industry
Washington Post Podcast: How federal regulators failed meat plant workers
LA Times: Letters to the Editor: Grocery workers have been heroes amid the coronavirus. Treat them like it
Daily Yonder: Emails Show the Meatpacking Industry Drafted an Executive Order to Keep Plants Open
The Leader News: Kroger workers pushing for return of hazard pay
The Counter: Supermarket CEOs say grocery stores are over, but also grocery stores are thriving
USA Today: How big are Kroger’s online grocery sales now? Bigger than Levi Strauss or Harley-Davidson
Cincinnati Business Courier: Kroger analysts unimpressed by company’s earnings; here’s why
JBS Mentions
Democracy Now: Meatpacking Executives Drafted Trump’s Order to Keep Plants Open Amid Pandemic
Freight Waves: OSHA cites and fines four employers for COVID-19 violations
Democracy Now: Meatpacking Executives Drafted Trump’s Order to Keep Plants Open Amid Pandemic
Occupational Health and Saftey: OSHA Cites Meatpacking Facilities for Coronavirus Violations
Updated 9/15/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
Food Safety News: Blowback from industry and union on OSHA for Smithfield/JBS fines
UFCW Mentions
Winsight Grocery Business: Kroger Dallas-UFCW Agreement Boosts Pay, Benefits for All Associates
The Dallas Morning News: Kroger hourly workers get a raise with new contract
Kroger Mentions
WBNS: KROGERS EMPLOYEES SAY THEY WERE TOLD ‘BLACK LIVES MATTER’ FACE COVERINGS WERE NOT ALLOWED
Snopes: Did Kroger Tell Employees They Can Wear BLM Masks, But Not Flag Masks?
Miami Herald: Kroger workers wrongly fired for refusing to wear aprons with LGBT logo, lawsuit says
Politifact: “Kroger Corporate says employees can not wear flag masks but they can wear BLM masks!”
JBS Mentions
The New York Times: Under Trump, OSHA’s Covid-19 Response Is Failing Workers
Drovers: OSHA Cites JBS Foods for Failing to Protect Workers from Coronavirus
Updated 9/14/2020
Kim Cordova Mention
Food Dive: JBS gets $15,615 OSHA fine for fatal coronavirus outbreak
Denver CBS: ‘It’s A Joke’: Family Reacts To $15,000 Fine Against Greeley’s JBS Plant
Washington Post: More than 200 meat plant workers in the U.S. have died of covid-19. Federal regulators just issued two modest fines.
Bloomberg: Meatpacker JBS Fined $15,615 After Deadly Covid-19 Outbreak
Greeley Tribune: Editorial: OSHA embarrasses itself, re-lights bitter fires with late, low fine of JBS
CBS4 Denver: Greeley’s JBS Plant Fined $15,615 For Lack Of Employee Protection, OSHA Says
Daily Camera: Feds hit JBS with $15,000 fine for failing to protect Greeley plant workers from COVID-19
The Denver Post: Feds hit JBS with $15,000 fine for failing to protect Greeley plant workers from COVID-19
Colorado Hometown Weekly: Feds hit JBS with $15,000 fine for failing to protect Greeley plant workers from COVID-19
9 News: JBS cited for failing to protect employees during COVID-19, OSHA recommends $15,615 fine
UFCW Mentions
Pro Publica: Emails Show the Meatpacking Industry Drafted an Executive Order to Keep Plants Open
Meatpacking Industry
Politico: OSHA fines meatpacking plants almost $30K after Covid-19 deaths
Kroger Mentions
Yahoo Finance: Kroger is Out of Momentum, BofA Says in Downgrade
Yahoo News: Kroger CEO: COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we shop for food
Barrons: Why One Analyst Thinks Kroger’s Pandemic Bounce Could End
JBS Mentions
Government Executive: OSHA’s ‘Miniscule’ Coronavirus Citations at Food Processing Plants Alarm Worker Safety Advocates
Star Tribune: OSHA cites JBS, Smithfield Foods for failing to protect employees from coronavirus
BizWest: OSHA fines JBS over COVID illnesses, deaths
Daily Beast: Feds Fine $51 Billion Meat Company $15,615 for COVID Spread
Meat and Poultry: OSHA cites JBS Foods for failing to protect employees from coronavirus
La Gran Epoca: 15,000 dólares de multa a planta cárnica en la que murieron 7 personas por COVID-19
New York Daily News: Billion-dollar meatpacking companies fined total of $30,000 after 10 worker COVID deaths, 1,600 infections
CBS 4 Denver Evening News
Manufacturing Net: OSHA Fines Smithfield, JBS for Lack of Worker Virus Protection
Updated 9/13/2020
CBS4 Denver: Greeley’s JBS Plant Fined $15,615 For Lack Of Employee Protection, OSHA Says
La Gran Epoca: 15,000 dólares de multa a planta cárnica en la que murieron 7 personas por COVID-19
New York Daily News: Billion-dollar meatpacking companies fined total of $30,000 after 10 worker COVID deaths, 1,600 infections
Greeley Tribune: Editorial: OSHA embarrasses itself, re-lights bitter fires with late, low fine of JBS
Bloomberg: Meatpacker JBS Fined $15,615 After Deadly Covid-19 Outbreak
CBS 4 Denver Evening News
Washington Post: More than 200 meat plant workers in the U.S. have died of covid-19. Federal regulators just issued two modest fines.
Updated 9/11/2020
UFCW Mentions
Food Navigator USA: Smithfield contests OSHA Covid-19 citation, union blasts it as an ‘insulting slap on the wrist’
Ganjapreneur: Massachusetts Cannabis Retail Workers Sign Landmark Union Contract
Meatpacking Industry
The Fern: At poultry plants allowed to run faster processing lines, a greater risk of Covid-19
Mother Jones: Trump’s Paltry Meatpacking Fine Signals That “Workers’ Lives Are Worth Less Than Pork Shoulders”
Politico: U.S. issues first Covid-19 fine to meatpacking plant totaling $13,500
The Counter: Smithfield Foods, California companies fined for “failing to protect” employees from coronavirus in a new wave of accountability actions by OSHA
Kroger Mentions
USA Today: Kroger CEO: ‘We delivered extremely strong results in the second quarter’
Wall Street Journal: Kroger’s Sales Bump Continues as Coronavirus Persists
AMP Cincinnati: Kroger sales jump, digital sales more than double
JBS Mentions
Pipestone Star: Ground broken on JBS Soccer Complex
Salt Lake Tribune: Meatpacker says it will give money to Hyrum, Utah, where a coronavirus outbreak sickened workers
ABC 4 Salt Lake CIty:JBS USA Donates $1.7 million to Hyrum, not in response to nearly 400 positive COVID-19 cases
Updated 9/10/2020
UFCW Mentions
Roll Call: COVID-19 tests unions’ ability to deliver votes, manpower, money to Democrats
Kroger Mentions
Eater Houston: Kroger Workers Will Protest In Houston For Pandemic Hazard Pay
JBS Mentions
The Denver Post: Two more Colorado K-12 schools, two Greek organizations report COVID-19 outbreaks
The Grand Junction Independent: PETA billboard near JBS blames meat consumption for rainforest destruction
Greeley Tribune: COVID-19: Weld County case, testing and outbreak data for the week of Sept. 9
Updated 9/9/2020
UFCW Mentions
Progressive Grocer: UFCW: Grocers Should Kick Out Maskless Shoppers
Grocery Business: Hashing Out Hazard Pay at Kroger, Safeway, Fred Meyer
Philadelphia Inquirer: The pandemic didn’t end. Why did hazard pay for grocery store workers? | Opinion
Meatpacking Industry
Forbes: The Radical Changes Coming To The Grocery Business
JBS Mentions
Reuters: Special Report: How COVID-19 swept the Brazilian slaughterhouses of JBS, world’s top meatpacker
PETA: JBS Deforestation Scandal Spotlighted in PETA Billboard
Updated 9/8/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
The Daily Sentinel: Labor Day carries greater significance amid pandemic
Fox 13 Salt Lake City: Gov. Herbert and his cabinet are taking classes on recognizing implicit bias
UFCW Mentions
Progressive Grocer: UFCW: Grocers Should Kick Out Maskless Shoppers
Forbes: Biden Campaign Hosts Food And Farm Groups Who Say Trump Failed To Protect Workers
Inforum: Letter: This Labor Day, is union membership really worth it?
Meatpacking Industry
The Progressive: U.S. Food System Needs Reform
JBS Mentions
Reuters: Special Report: How COVID-19 swept the Brazilian slaughterhouses of JBS, world’s top meatpacker
Greeley Tribune: Lois M. Hilzer: JBS is not the enemy
Greeley Tribune: Advocate reflects on treatment of work force as Labor Day arrives
Updated 9/3/2020
UFCW Mentions
KCEC (Univision) – Denver, CO Univision Colorado Newscast
KTLA: UFCW President Marc Perrone on protecting grocery store workers from COVID-19 (Video)
Supermarket News: UFCW kicks off new national campaign to restore COVID-19 hazard pay
Related: Grocery Worker’s Relief Fund started by Kendall-Jackson, United Way
Related: UFCW’s Marc Perrone, Sen. Kamala Harris urge grocery chains to restart hazard pay
Meatpacking Industry
Forbes: Tyson Foods Pilots New Healthcare Clinics For Meatpacking Workers
CBS News: Tyson Foods to open medical clinics at several of its U.S. meat plants
Kroger Mentions
Wavy: Kroger union employees protest demanding reinstatement of COVID-19 hazard pay
JBS Mentions
9News: Active coronavirus outbreaks at Colorado schools, events, grocery stores and more
Democracy Now: This Labor Day, Honor Essential Workers and Remember Those Who Died
Updated 9/2/2020
UFCW Mentions
Progressive Grocer: UFCW Launches National Hazard Pay Campaign
WFXR: Grocery workers plan protests at Kroger stores across VA, WV to demand hazard pay
Colorado Politics: Labor union coalition demands increased unemployment, hazard pay during national day of action
Meatpacking Industry
Go San Angelo: Between 80-100 jobs coming to San Angelo after Colorado family leases meat packing plant
The Boston Globe: What does it take to get meat on the grill for Labor Day? A whole lot of labor
JBS Mentions
BizWest Media: Minorities still hit harder by COVID-19 in state
Updated 9/1/2020
UFCW Mentions
Labor Pains: New Website Details Five Years of UFCW Spending, Including $6 Million to One Consulting Firm
Supermarket News: Grocery Worker’s Relief Fund started by Kendall-Jackson, United Way
Legal Reader: Customers can now purchase marijuana in vending machines, limiting social contact during the pandemic.
Meatpacking Industry
The Food Institute: MORE FACILITY CLOSURES FOLLOW RISE IN COVID-19 CASES
Kroger Mentions
Fox 2 Detroit: Bloomfield Kroger employees say they were not allowed to wear Black Lives Matter shirts, masks
Updated 8/28/2020
Meatpacking Industry
The Cap Times: Charlie Mitchell: Farmers thank DATCP and support hazard pay for workers
JBS Mentions
North Forty News: JBS USA Gifts $100,000 to UCHealth Greeley Hospital for COVID-19 Care
Mission Mentions
NBC News: COVID-19 deaths among young and working age Latinos skyrocket in California, study finds
Updated 8/27/2020
UFCW Mentions
Los Angeles Times: Instacart shoppers say they face unforgiving metrics: ‘It’s a very easy job to lose’
JBS Mentions
Union County Weekly: Pilgrim’s to invest $380,000 in Marshville area
Meatpacking Industry
Action News: Coronavirus Impact On Ranchers
Greeley Tribune: JBS USA gives $100,000 to UCHealth Greeley Hospital for COVID-19 care
Updated 8/26/2020
JBS Mentions
Greeley Tribune: Letters: JBS is a darn good company
Bloomberg Law: JBS Denied Dismissal of EEOC’s Bias Claims for Muslim Workers (Paid Subscription Required)
Reuters: Brazil prosecutors sue JBS to test chicken plant workers for COVID-19
Kaiser Permanente Mentions
PR Newswire: Jeff Collins Named President of Kaiser Permanente Northwest
Updated 8/25/2020
UFCW Mentions
The Nation: There Is Power Even Without a Union
Meatpacking Industry
Reuters: Why Is China Suspending Imports From Some Meat Processors?
JBS Mentions
BizWest: JBS donates $100,000 to UCHealth Greeley Hospital
(Article behind paywall)
The Gazette: A new path forward for Colorado meat processing in the COVID-19 era
Safeway/Albertsons Mentions
Bellevue Reporter: Free face masks available at King County Safeway locations
Updated 8/24/2020
UFCW Mentions
National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation: Foundation attorneys assist worker leading effort to oust unpopular union
Meatpacking Industry
San Antonio Express-News:‘Everybody is getting sick’
JBS Mentions
Daily Beast: Trump Admin Puts COVID-Wracked Meat Processor on Food Safety Panel
Greeley Tribune: Guest column: JBS president defends COVID-19 response
Updated 8/21/2020
Meatpacking Industry
HPPR: Report: The Meatpacking Industry Ignored Years Of Warnings About What A Pandemic Would Mean
Kroger Mentions
Supermarket News: Kroger brings COVID-19 testing to all Little Clinics
Retail Insights: Watch out, Amazon and Walmart – Kroger is coming
JBS Mentions
Insurance Journal: Brazilian Court Orders JBS to Require Worker Distancing After COVID Outbreak at Plant
The Counter: JBS USA eyes an IPO (again)
Mission Mentions
Coventry Live: Workers at Coventry food factory test positive for coronavirus
Updated 8/20/2020
UFCW Mentions
Voice of San Diego: The Pandemic Hasn’t Gone Away – Neither Should Hazard Pay
Meatpacking Industry
ProPublica: Meatpacking Companies Dismissed Years of Warnings but Now Say Nobody Could Have Prepared for COVID-19
Kroger Mentions
PR Newswire: Kroger Health Announces COVID-19 Testing at All Clinic Locations
JBS Mentions
Food Processing: JBS to Seek IPO Soon
The Counter: JBS USA eyes an IPO (again)
Updated 8/19/2020
UFCW Mentions
Milwaukee Journal Central: Meat packing workers fired after complaints about lack of COVID-19 precautions to share $246,000
The Spokesman Review: Rep. Debra Lekanoff and the Washington State Farm Bureau: Food is not a political issue
Eater: Kamala Harris Brings Food Justice to the Democratic Ticket
Meatpacking Industry
The New York Times: Democratic National Convention’s Roll Call Showcases Voices from Across America
Food Safety Magazine: NAMI and OSHA Team Up to Fight COVID-19 in Meatpacking and Processing Plants
Kroger Mentions
Food Business News: Reducing unnecessary packaging among Kroger goals for Our Brands
JBS Mentions
Farm Weekly: JBS quarterly global profit jumps to $868m
Safeway/Albertsons Mentions
KTVB: Albertsons now offers at-home coronavirus test kit using saliva
Updated 8/18/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
KYR News: How meat plant COVID outbreaks revealed ‘devastating’ workplace conditions
UFCW Mentions
Forbes: The Future Of Dispensaries Means Contactless Marijuana Vending Machines For Colorado And Massachusetts
GEPHARDTDaily: Marijuana vending machines to offer touchless sales in Colorado, Massachusetts
Meatpacking Industry
Business Insurance: OSHA pact aims to reduce COVID-19 transmission in meatpacking
The Fern: Few states release data about Covid-19 in the food system
Kroger Mentions
Grocery Dive: Kroger targets more sustainable packaging
Cincinnati Business Courier: Kroger hit with class action suit claiming ‘Just Fruit’ jam brand misleadingly labeled
Mission Mentions
AP: Tortilla Maker Mission Foods Expanding To Indianapolis Area
Updated 8/17/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
Market Watch: How meat plant COVID outbreaks revealed ‘devastating’ workplace conditions
UFCW Mentions
Daily Herald: With official systems swamped, union gets into contact tracing
Supermarket News: Meat Institute, OSHA join forces on guidance, training for workers
Meatpacking Industry
Venture Beat: The meatpacking industry is an incubator for AI, automation, and COVID-19
Chicago Daily Herald: Illinois meatpacking plant sued after COVID-19 death
JBS Mentions
Globe Gazette: (Opinion) Why wasn’t Congress worried about JBS years ago?
Updated 8/14/2020
UFCW Mentions
The Hill: (Opinion): Unions bite the hand that feeds them and us Meatpacking Industry
Kroger Mentions
Grocery Dive: Kroger launches COVID-19 care program for employers
Forbes: Fuelled By At-Home Shoppers, Kroger Tests Prime-Like Subscription Delivery Service
JBS Mentions
Hometown Source: The silence of the lambs
Food Bev Media: Sheep ranchers dispute JBS plant takeover deal in Colorado
World Socialist Website: Wisconsin immigrant meat packing workers fired in retaliation for protesting over unsafe working conditions
Civil Eats: Closure of Western Lamb Processor by JBS Could ‘Devastate the Ranch Economy’
Updated 8/13/2020
UFCW Mentions
Progressive Grocer: UFCW Tackling COVID-19 Contact Tracing
JBS Mentions
San Pete Messenger: Temporary save comes with 30-day stay order from DOJ
Updated 8/12/2020
Kroger Mentions
Washington Post: Grocery workers say morale is at an all-time low: ‘They don’t even treat us like humans anymore
JBS Mentions
Food Business Room: JBS subsidiary to build new Italian meats, charcuterie plant
Meat + Poultry: Colorado senator requests investigation into federal COVID-19 response at meatpacking facilities
Broadcast
CBS Denver (KCNC) – CBS4 News at Noon
August 11, 2020
Reporter mentioned both Senator Bennet’s call to investigate the federal government’s response to COVID-19 outbreaks in meat packing industries and the union’s statements regarding the missing tests promised by Senator Gardner.
CW Denver (KWGN) – Daybreak 7A
August 11, 2020
Reporter is talking about Senator Bennet’s call for an investigation of COVID-19 outbreaks in meatpacking plants such as the JBS Plant in Greeley, CO.
FOX Grand Junction (KFQX) – Fox 4 Good Day Colorado
August 11, 2020
Reporting is talking about Senator Bennet’s call for an investigation of COVID-19 outbreaks and asking if the government’s inaction led to further spread of COVID-19.
Updated 8/11/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
Greeley Tribune: Colorado’s Sen. Michael Bennet calls for investigation into federal response to coronavirus outbreaks in meatpacking plants
Meatpacking Industry
Latino USA: The Children Of Smithfield
JBS Mentions
CBS Denver: Sen. Michael Bennet Wants USDA To Investigate Coronavirus Spread At JBS Plant
Fence Post: JBS USA to invest $5M in Greeley to support local community as part of new Hometown Strong Initiative
Perishable News: Plumrose USA Announces Intention to Build $ 200M Ready-to-eat Facility
Updated 8/10/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
Greeley Tribune: Bailey Kiewel: Changes to food supply chain best way to protect workers
UFCW Mentions
Wink: McDonald’s, Target and Gap brand stores now require customers to wear masks
Meatpacking Industry
Washington Post: The Trump fiasco just got worse. That gives Biden a hidden opening.
Kroger Mentions
Los Angeles Times: Frontline workers are forced to become COVID mask police. It’s stressing them out
Repost: Rome News Tribune
Supermarket News: UFCW’s Marc Perrone, Sen. Kamala Harris urge grocery chains to restart hazard pay
JBS Mentions
Politico: Farm aid reinforcements stuck in limbo
Meat + Poultry: Plumrose USA announces new Italian meats, charcuterie plant
The Fence Post: JBS rumored to hold off beef processing plans at Greeley, Colo., lamb processing plant for 30 days
Modern Farmer: JBS Plant Takeover Leaves Uncertainty for Western Sheep Farmers
WNAX: OCM Asks DOJ To Stop Purchase Of Mountain States Lamb Processing By JBS
Food Safety News: Letter from the Editor: Any sign of normalcy is worth feeling cheerful about
Mission Mentions
BC Democrat: 4 of Pueblo’s 14 outbreaks have been resolved
Kaiser Permanente Mentions
Denver Post: Deaths from heart disease, overdoses increased in Colorado during pandemic, data shows
The Rebound Colorado: Pueblo District 70 among 5 districts to receive grant money to tackle mental health
Updated 8/7/2020
UFCW Mentions
CNN: Why grocery store workers deserve hazard pay
Progressive Grocer: Sen. Kamala Harris, UFCW Want Hazard Pay Return
Kroger Mentions
Los Angeles Times: Front-line workers are forced to become COVID mask police. It’s stressing them out
JBS Mentions
Greeley Tribune: Details emerge about JBS’ acquisition of Mountain States Rosen plant
WNAX Radio 570: OCM Asks DOJ To Stop Purchase Of Mountain States Lamb Processing By JBS
Livestock News: 30 Day wait
Broadcast
ABC Denver KMGH – 7 News Now at 6 AM
NBC Denver KUSA – 9News at 10pm
MyTV Denver KTVD – 9News at 5:30am
Updated 8/5/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
Broadcast
KCNC-DEN (CBS) – Denver, CO CBS4 This Morning
JBS Mentions
Biz West: JBS earmarks $5M to Greeley for COVID relief
Repost: Reporter Herald
Greeley Tribune: Months after hospitalization, COVID-19 still taking toll on Greeley family
Meat + Poultry: JBS USA: Lamb plant acquisition won’t hurt competition
Updated 8/4/2020
UFCW Mentions
Food Safety News: Line speeds become a cause in the coronavirus pandemic era
Labor Pains: CUF and Freedom Foundation Call For Investigation into Seattle-Based Worker Center
Today: Tyson Foods will test employees at all US plants for coronavirus weekly
Fox Denver: JBS plans a $5 million investment for Greeley for COVID-19 relief
Fence Post: Lawmakers ask DOJ to investigate JBS’ plans to convert lamb processor to beef
New Republic: Beyond Big Meat
Updated 8/3/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
Greeley Tribune: Kim Cordova: JBS’ essential workers are not disposable (Opinion)
UFCW Mentions
LaborPains.org: CUF and Freedom Foundation Call For Investigation into Seattle-Based Worker Center
Meatpacking Industry
Washington Post: Pandemic’s weight falls on Hispanics and Native Americans, as deaths pass 150,000
World Socialist Website: At least 20 percent of US meatpackers may have contracted coronavirus
Kroger Mentions
The Progressive: Grocery Workers Deserve Hero Pay [Repost: West Hawaii Today]
JBS Mentions
Oil City News: GORDON ECHOES WESTERN STATES LEADERS’ ANTITRUST CONCERNS IN SALE OF GREELEY LAMB-PROCESSING FACILITY
Wyoming Livestock Roundup: JBS ACQUIRES ASSETS
Greeley Tribune: Our Voices: Rhonda Solis looks at the past, lives in the present and hopes for the future
Fair Warning: Some Workers Sickened by Covid-19 Face an Extra Burden: Proving Where They Got It
Updated 7/31/2020
UFCW Mentions
Talk Business: Tyson Foods expands COVID-19 monitoring and testing
Food & Wine: Over 10,000 Tyson Employees Have Tested Positive for COVID-19
Kroger Mentions
Sandusky Register: Grocery workers deserve hero pay
JBS Mentions
Telemundo: Protect me, Lord, because I’m going to my work.” Employees of meat and chicken plants are as afraid of coronavirus as much as losing their jobs
Newsweek: Over 38,000 Pounds of Beef Recalled by USDA After Not Being Inspected in U.S.
Kaiser Permanente Mentions
Times Leader: Democrats trim convention hours amid coronavirus pandemic
Updated 7/30/2020
UFCW Mentions
The Progressive: Grocery Workers Deserve Hero Pay
The Poultry Site: UFCW sues USDA over poultry line speeds
Kroger Mentions
The Progressive: Grocery Workers Deserve Hero Pay
JBS Mentions
ABC4 – Salt Lake City: Sen. Lee, other Utah officials ask for meat processing plant investigation
Tri-State Livestock News: Ranchers say JBS purchase of lamb plant could violate antitrust laws
ABC 4: Sen. Lee, other Utah officials ask for meat processing plant investigation
Broadcast
Market Day Report on RFD-TV
Updated 7/29/2020
UFCW Mentions
Eater: Unions Are Suing the USDA Over Unsafe Conditions in Meat Plants
The Progressive: The Death of a Meatpacker
Agriculture: SENATE BILL WOULD BLOCK FASTER LINE SPEEDS AT MEAT PLANTS DURING PANDEMIC
Wyoming Public Media: Meatpackers Panned For Lack Of Transparency During Pandemic
Kroger Mentions
SuperMarket News: Raley’s plans fourth appreciation pay bonus for hourly workers
GPB: $600 A Week: Poverty Remedy Or Job Slayer?
JBS Mentions
Green Bay Press Gazette: JBS donates $1M to Green Bay community for COVID-19 response after outbreak at east-side plant
Tri-State Livestock News: JBS acquires Mountain States Rosen lamb plant: Rancher seeks anti-trust intervention
Colorado Hometown Weekly: Boulder County farms see surge in demand for local food amid coronavirus pandemic
The Fence Post: JBS plans switch to beef at Mountain States Rosen lamb plant, leaving lamb producers high and dry
Kaiser Permanente Mentions
Times Leader: Analysis: When Is a Coronavirus Test Not a Coronavirus Test?
Updated 7/28/2020
UFCW Mentions
AP: Unions sue USDA over faster chicken plant production speeds
Market Screener: Poultry Workers, Already at Risk From COVID-19, Sue USDA Over Dangerous Line Speeds
Kroger Mentions
WGBH: $600 A Week: Poverty Remedy Or Job Slayer?
JBS Mentions
Meat + Poultry: JBS USA buys back lamb plant assets from Mountain States Rosen
Colorado Public Radio: Colorado And Its Counties Are Out Of Step In Their Shared Public Health Response To Coronavirus
Updated 7/27/2020
UFCW Mentions
The Denver Post: Colorado workers infected with coronavirus face uphill battle to claim workers’ compensation benefits
Huffington Post: The Viral ‘Karen From Bunnings’ Mask Requirements Video Shows What Other Countries’ Stores Need To Do
Kroger Mentions
NPR: $600 A Week: Poverty Remedy Or Job Slayer?
Yahoo Finance: These 30 Companies Are Giving Bonuses and Raises to Their Essential Workers
JBS Mentions
Greeley Tribune: JBS acquires assets, facilities from closure of Greeley Mountain States Rosen plant
Updated 7/24/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
Market Watch: Joe Biden wants a $15 minimum wage — will the coronavirus pandemic make that more likely?
UFCW Mentions
Vox: Corporate America was here for you on coronavirus until about June
JBS Mentions
The Guardian: Covid-19 puts workers in danger. It’s another reason we need unions
Kaiser Permanente Mentions
Denver Post: Growing frustration in Colorado over delays in COVID-19 test results
Updated 7/23/2020
UFCW Mentions
Marijuana Moment: Congress Should Pass Marijuana Legalization Bill Amid Coronavirus, Coalition Of Justice Groups Urges
Broadcast
WEAA-FM (Radio) – Baltimore, MD
Kroger Mentions
The Motley Fool: Kroger Reaches Possible Pension Plan Agreement With Food Unions
JBS Mentions
Powell Tribune: The meat producer’s bottleneck
Denver Business Journal: Kaiser Permanente donates $500,000 toward Colorado Covid-19 relief
Updated 7/22/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
Agencia EFE: Meat plant Employees Receive Pay Rise But Call For Protection (Translated)
Meat + Poultry: BS workers receive pay raise in Colorado
UFCW Mentions
Grocery Dive: Major chains reset pension agreements with the UFCW
Truthout: COVID Deaths Quintuple for Older Latinx Workers Keeping California Going
Insurance Journal: Workers Turn Into Sleuths to Track Sicknesses Where Employers Keep Covid Data Secret
Supermarket News: Kroger, Albertsons, Stop & Shop to withdraw from UFCW national pension fund
JBS Mentions
EFE Agro: Meat plant employees receive a pay rise but call for more protection
Updated 7/21/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
Bloomberg Law: JBS Beef Workers in Colorado Get Raise After Work Stoppage
NBC 9: JBS workers receive pay raises following July 10 walkout
Broadcast
Univision Denver: Noticiero Univisión Colorado
UFCW Mentions
News Dio: Retailers are canceling payment for coronavirus risk. That is an error
Meatpacking Industry
Kroger Mentions
CNN Business: Retailers are canceling coronavirus hazard pay. That’s a mistake
Pop Culture: Kroger Joins Walmart in Requiring Face Masks in All Stores
KMALand: Grocery, Food Workers Union Want Employers to Reinstate Hazard Pay
JBS Mentions
Bloomberg Law: JBS Beef Workers in Colorado Get Raise After Work Stoppage
Complete Colorado: Weld County Commissioners reaffirm decision to not enforce Polis mask mandate
Updated 7/20/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
Greeley Tribune: JBS workers get immediate raise; sick time will not impact bonus eligibility
Colorado Politics: Workers at Greeley meat plant where 6 died of coronavirus receive $1.85 hourly increase
Food Bev: Union representing JBS workers demands improved safety means
Meat + Poultry: JBS receives complaint from UFCW over ongoing pay, workplace concerns
Broadcast
UFCW Mentions
Denver Post: JBS Greeley beef plant workers get raises after work interruption
WENY: UFCW, senators push for hazard pay for grocery workers amid pandemic
Winsight Grocery Business: Senators Brown and Warren Call on Grocery CEOs to Extend Hazard Pay
Forbes: Retail’s Great Pivot: How The Pandemic Has Changed The Criteria For Success From Traffic To Efficiency
Supermarket News: UFCW, Democratic senators call on retailers to reinstate hazard pay for grocery workers
Brownfield: UNION, SENATORS CALL FOR REINSTATED HAZARD PAY
Broadcast
RFD-TV – U.S. Cable Market Day Report
Meatpacking Industry
Retail Leader: Tyson Foods Lauded by Hispanic Group for Worker Safety Efforts
Business Insider: The US meat industry is making people sick. If we want to fight disease and prevent future pandemics, it needs to be completely transformed.
Kroger Mentions
Washington Post: It’s clearer than ever that covid-19 will increase, not decrease, inequality
Wall Street Journal: Kroger Provides Coronavirus Tests for Employees
The New York Times: ‘Hero’ Pay Raises Disappear for Many Essential Workers [REPOST: NORTHWEST ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT GAZETTE]
JBS Mentions
Bloomberg Law: Sued Over Covid-19, Companies Scramble for Federal Court Shelter
WBUR: Do You Know Who Makes Your Meat? Inside JBS, The No.1 Meatpacker In The World
Reuters: Rare air: U.S. meatpackers try air cleaning tech after COVID-19 outbreaks
Updated 7/15/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
Greeley Tribune: Worker advocates: JBS trying to force union’s hand with long-term contract offer
Broadcast
KWGN (CW) – Denver, CO Daybreak 8A
JBS negotiations, Polis bill signings.
KDVR-DEN (FOX) – Denver, CO FOX 31 Morning News
JBS negotiations, Polis bill signings.
KCEC (Univision) – Denver, CO Univision Colorado Newscast
JBS Walkout
UFCW Mentions
Bloomberg: Walmart Joins Big Retail Peers Requiring Masks for U.S. Shoppers
REPOST: [Craig’s Chicago Business]
Supermarket News: UFCW unions chide Stop & Shop for ending ‘appreciation pay’
The American Prospect: Why Mainstream Unions Shouldn’t Represent the Cops
Meatpacking Industry
The Hill: Meatpacking plant workers take new approach in COVID-19 safety push
Kroger Mentions
International Business Time: Hero Pay Going Away? Amazon, Majors Retailers Quietly Phasing Out Raises For Essential Workers
The New York Times: Stocks Climb as Earnings Season Begins [Excerpted]
JBS Mentions
Whistleblowers Blog: Working Conditions at Colorado Meat Packing Factory Violate COVID-19 Safety Requirement
The Counter: Documents show JBS did little to prevent employee deaths from Covid-19
Updated 7/14/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
The Denver Channel: Union president says JBS workers are scared to go to work amid outbreak at meatpacking plant
Broadcast
KMGH-DEN (ABC) – Denver, CO 7 News at 4 PM
Pre meeting Coverage
KMGH-DEN (ABC) – Denver, CO 7 News At 6PM
Post meeting coverage.
World Socialist Web Site: Meatpacking, auto and health care workers take action to protect lives as pandemic surges in US
The New York Times: ‘Hero’ Pay Raises Disappear for Many Essential Workers
Pop Culture: Kroger Cashiers No Longer Giving Back Coin Change
JBS Mentions
Washington Post: As coronavirus ravaged meatpackers, minorities bore the brunt. Now worker groups say Tyson and JBS violated the Civil Rights Act.
Whistle Blowers Blog: Working Conditions at Colorado Meat Packing Factory Violate COVID-19 Safety Requirements
Greeley Tribune: JBS employees walk off the job over pay dispute [REPOST PAYDAY REPORT]
Noticias Ya: JBS WORKERS DEMAND WAGE INCREASE AND COVID-19 PROTECTION (Translated)
UFCW Mentions
Geekwire: Amazon unveils its own smart grocery cart, in new effort to automate physical retail checkout
Updated 7/13/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
Greeley Tribune: How coronavirus spread through JBS’s Greeley beef plant
Greeley Tribune: JBS employees walk off the job over pay dispute
Fox 31 Denver: JBS workers walk out of Greeley plant amid pay negotiations
UFCW Mentions
Grocery Dive: UFCW joins health experts to push for mask mandates
The Verge: Shoppers are suing over mandatory mask rules, but doctors don’t buy it
The Hill: Businesses plead for states to enforce mask mandates
Denver Channel ABC 7: JBS employees furloughed, told to return Monday after walk-out on Friday
Food Safety News: Letter from the Editor: Infections and deaths from COVID-19 in meat, poultry industries
CBS 4 Denver: JBS Production Called Off Saturday Following Employee Walkout
NBC 9 Denver: JBS plant workers continue walkout over wages
KDVR-DEN (FOX) – Denver, CO FOX 31 Morning News
July 13, 2020
KRDO (ABC) – Colorado Springs, CO Good Morning Colorado
July 13, 2020
KCNC-DEN (CBS) – Denver, CO CBS4 This Morning
July 13, 2020
KWGN (CW) – Denver, CO Channel 2 News
July 12, 2020
USA-DEN (NBC) – Denver, CO 9News Sunday Morning
July 12, 2020
KUSA-DEN (NBC) – Denver, CO 9News Sunday Morning
July 12, 2020
KDVR-DEN (FOX) – Denver, CO FOX 31 Morning News
July 12, 2020
KRDO (ABC) – Colorado Springs, CO Good Morning Colorado
July 12, 2020
KMGH-DEN (ABC) – Denver, CO 7 News
July 11, 2020
[Also ran: KLKN (ABC) – Lincoln, NE, WTVW (ABC) – Evansville, IN, WICD (ABC) – Champaign, IL, KATV (ABC) – Little Rock, AR]
KUSA-DEN (NBC) – Denver, CO 9News
July 11, 2020
KDVR-DEN (FOX) – Denver, CO Fox 31 Denver News
July 11, 2020
KUSA-DEN (NBC) – Denver, CO 9News Saturday Morning
July 11, 2020
KMGH-DEN (ABC) – Denver, CO Good Morning America: Weekend Edition
Democracy Now: JBS Meat Processing Workers Stage Wildcat Strike
Beef Magazine: Beef marketing system buffeted by challenges
Denver Post: Employees stage work interruption Friday at JBS meatpacking plant in Greeley
Updated 7/9/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
NBC: More than half of Latino workers in meat, poultry plants got COVID-19, CDC says
Repost: [Yahoo news]
The Garden City Telegram: Health experts worry CDC being stifled on COVID-19 [REPOST ROLL CALL
Broadcast
KCEC (Univision) – Denver, CO Noticiero Univisión Colorado
UFCW Mentions
Meat + Poultry: UFCW sues Pilgrim’s Pride alongside price-fixing case
Meat + Poultry: CDC: COVID-19 takes toll on meat plant workers
Denver Post: JBS sees new coronavirus outbreak among Greeley Interns
Westword: COVID-19 Outbreaks: Disease Strikes Bravest Interns in the World
Colorado Public Radio: JBS And Greeley Nursing Home Report New Coronavirus Outbreaks
Bloomberg Law: Tyson, JBS Hit With Complaint for Minority Worker Virus Exposure
Updated 7/8/2020
USA Today: ‘I feel threatened!”: Viral video shows shopper throwing tantrum, but who protects workers?
Roll Call: Workplace testing for coronavirus remains a challenge
Powder & Bulk Solids: New Report on COVID-19 Cases in Meat Processing Plants
Updated 7/7/2020
Progressive Grocer: Stop & Shop Phases Out COVID-19 Pay
NBC News 9: Kroger gets approval for home COVID-19 test kit
Updated 7/6/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
Roll Call: Public health experts worry CDC is being stifled on COVID-19
Live Kindly: Red Meat Production Has Dropped 18% Over Last Year
WorkWeek Radio: UFCW7 & COVID Death in Colorado, Cal/OSHA Garrett Brown, Tesla Workers
Salon: Trump administration uses faulty data to speed up meatpacking production
Norfolk News Daily: Union president says COVID-19 impact not waning
CBS 4 Denver: Kroger Making At-Home Coronavirus Tests Available To Its Workers For Free
Seeking Alpha: Seaboard And JBS Rated As A Buy As Meat Producers Have Not Participated In The Market Rebound
Updated 7/2/2020
UFCW Mentions
Wall Street Journal: Coronavirus Surge Tests Safeguards for Meatpacking Workers
US Pirg: HEALTH GROUPS CALL ON U.S. SENATE TO PROTECT EMERGENCY WORKERS
NBC News 9 Denver – Colorado grocery stores, restaurants and more with active COVID-19 outbreaks
Updated 7/1/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
Broadcast
CGTN News – China Global Business
UFCW Mentions
Huffington Post: Their Loved Ones Died From Coronavirus. Here’s What They Want You To Know.
Updated 6/30/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
CBS 4 (Denver): ‘They Had a Name, They Had a Face’: Union Honors JBS Workers Who Died Of Coronavirus
CGNT (China Global Television Network): U.S. meatpacking plant workers mourn coworkers killed by COVID-19
Social Media
Channel 2 KWGN Colorado: Families, union members pay tribute to JBS meatpacking plant employees in Greeley
Denver 7 News: Yesterday, the union for the JBS meatpacking facility in Greeley held a memorial for its six employees who died of COVID-19. The union said the company could have done more to prevent the spread of the coronavirus at the facility.
Broadcast
Noticiero Univisión Colorado on KCEC (Univision)
Updated 6/29/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions
Greeley Tribune: Union hosts memorial with procession for 6 JBS workers killed by virus
Colorado Politics: Food workers union memorializes Greeley meat plant workers lost to COVID-19
CBS 4 (Denver, CO): ‘They Had a Name, They Had a Face’: Union Honors JBS Workers Who Died Of Coronavirus
UFCW Mentions
NBC News 9: 6 JBS workers who died from COVID-19 commemorated in Greeley
Fox 31 Denver CO: Families, union members pay tribute to JBS meatpacking plant employees in Greeley
WLWT (Cincinnati,OH): UFCW calls for action as Ohio COVID-19 related deaths increase for frontline workers
SuperMarket News: UFCW: Over 11,500 grocery workers affected in first 100 days of pandemic
Tennessean: Union workers are crucial to our nation’s recovery from COVID-19 | Opinion
Updated 6/26/2020
UFCW Mentions:
CNBC: ‘Covid-19 still is very real’: Major grocery union calls for mask requirements as cases spike
ABC News 9 Cincinnati: Kroger CEO: No more hazard pay for grocery workers
National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation: Worker’s Push to Eject UFCW Union Triggers Labor Board to Reconsider Policy Blocking Votes to Oust Unions
Updated 6/25/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions:
Colorado Public Radio: Coronavirus Outbreaks Are Driven By Patchwork Protections For Front-Line Workers
The Counter: JBS plant workers in Colorado are honored with billboards
Progressive Grocer: H-E-B Offers More Pay Increases as Pandemic Bonuses End
Updated 6/24/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions:
Westword: COVID-19 Cases at 21 King Soopers and City Market Stores, Union Says
UFCW Mentions:
What A Day (Postcast): Meat The Packers
Aspen Times: Guest commentary – Diane Mitsch Bush sets out agenda for CD3 race (excerpted)
Agriculture: Coronavirus Pay Raise Proposed For Farmworkers
Dover Post: Coons rallies with UFCW Locals 27 workers in Sussex County
Updated 6/23/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions:
Denver Post: Guest commentary: Want racial justice? Start with your employees
CBS Denver: ‘Real People Died’: JBS Workers Honored With Billboards & Memorial
BroadcastCBS 4 Denver (KCNC) – CBS4 News
UFCW Mentions:
Denver Post: Cavalry comes to Hickenlooper’s aid with 1 week left in Senate primary
WMDT (Selbyville, DE): Labor union rallies ahead of decertification vote, Mountaire calls it an “employee led fight”
Reuters: Explainer: Why COVID-19 can run rife in meatpacking plants
Lakeshore Public Radio: UFCW Union Asks Poultry Plant To Reinstate Hazard Pay
Indiana Public Media: UFCW Union Asks Poultry Plant To Reinstate Hazard Pay
Hedgeye: Grocery Union Demands Hero Pay Reinstated
Updated 6/22/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions:
Greeley Tribune: Local food workers union installs billboards of JBS employees who died of COVID-19
Aberdee News: ‘All smoke and mirrors’: How Trump’s meatpacking order has failed to keep workers safe
UFCW Mentions:
CBS 4 Denver: Union Unveils Billboards In Memory Of 6 JBS Workers Who Died From COVID-19
Supermarket News: Michigan extends COVID-19 protections for grocery workers, shoppers
Progressive Grocer: Union Demands Food Retailers Reinstate Hazard Pay
Updated 6/18/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions:
Bloomberg: U.S. Meat Plants Are Deadly as Ever, With No Incentive to Change
USA Today: ‘All smoke and mirrors’: How Trump’s meatpacking order has failed to keep workers safe
UFCW Mentions:
Seattle Pi: Labor Council expels Seattle Police Officers Guild from its ranks
Supermarket News: Michigan extends COVID-19 protections for grocery workers, shoppers
Updated 6/17/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions:
Fox 31 Denver – Emails suggest CDC director influenced state health decisions related to Greeley meat plant
Colorado Politics: Crisanta Duran, grocery union endorse Romanoff in Democratic US Senate primary
Magic Valley: Albertsons ends $2-an-hour coronavirus raise for in-store workers. Now it’s doing this
Broadcast KDVR-DEN (FOX 31) – Denver – FOX 31 Denver News at Night
JBS Greeley plant and workers memorial.
KWGN (CW) – Denver – Daybreak News
UFCW Mentions:
Boston Globe: Push to unionize Massachusetts marijuana industry heats up
Courthouse News Services: Meatpacking Industry Struggles to Find New Normal
Reuters: Meatpacking workers often absent after Trump order to reopen
Updated 6/16/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions:
NBC 9 Denver: Memorial held for 3 grocery store workers who died of COVID-19
Big Country News: Albertsons Ends $2-Per-Hour Coronavirus Raise, Gives ‘Appreciation Pay’ Bonus
Grocery Dive: Albertsons ends ‘appreciation pay’ for employees
Broadcast: ABC Colorado Springs – KRDO Channel 13 News
Updated 6/15/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions:
Grocery Business: Albertsons Sunsets Hourly Appreciation Pay
CBS 4 (Denver, CO): Community Honors 3 King Soopers Employees Who Died From Coronavirus
KDVR Fox 31 (Denver, CO): Community remembers 3 King Soopers employees who died with COVID-19
KDVR Fox 31 (Denver, CO):Memorial service, motorcade to be held in honor of UFCW 7 grocery workers who died from COVID-19
KDVR Fox 31 (Denver, CO): Safeway-Albertsons’ stores cutting ‘Appreciation Pay’ for grocery store employees
The Denver Channel: Memorial service held for three King Soopers employees who died of COVID-19
UFCW Mentions:
Denver Post: Memorial service held for three grocery workers who died from COVID-19
[Reuters Repost] Meatpacking workers often absent after Trump order to reopen
Updated 6/12/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions:
Broadcast
It’s the Economy Podcast: UFCW President KimCordova with Covid19 Workers Update and BLM
UFCW Mentions:
SouthernMinn.com: Long Prairie beef processor among latest swept by COVID-19, despite significant prevention
Updated 6/11/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions:
Slate: Giving Corporations a License to Kill
UFCW Mentions:
The Hill: Union leaders press Oversight Committee to pass protections for meat plant workers
Grocery Dive: UFCW calls on Congress to better protect workers
The Fern: Meat plants should slow the line, separate workers, say unions
Updated 6/10/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions:
Arizona Central: Essential workers just can’t get a break. Pay lost during protests as stores curb hours, honor curfews
UFCW Mentions:
World Socialist Website: COVID-19 eruptions increasing in US meatpacking plants, logistics centers
Updated 6/9/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions:
Wall Street Journal: Older Workers Grapple With Risk of Getting Covid-19 on the Job
UFCW Mentions:
Successful Farming: Ranchers, Labor Union Call For Stronger Covid-19 Protections For Meatpacking Workers
Kiro 7 (Seattle, WA): Unionized essential workers call for Mayor Durkan to resign
Successful Farming: Ranchers, Labor Union Call For Stronger Covid-19 Protections For Meatpacking Workers
Updated 6/8/2020
UFCW Mentions:
WWLP (Springfield, MA): UFCW food drive benefits union members working the front lines
USA Today: Coronavirus outbreaks climb at U.S. meatpacking plants despite protections, Trump order
The Globe: UFCW sponsors food drive for JBS employees
Michigan Radio: What it’s like to be a retail business owner, and employee, in the age of COVID-19
Updated 6/5/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions:
El Nuevo Dia: Latino grocery stores are a focus of Colorado coronavirus spread
(AP Repost)
June 4, 2020
UFCW Mentions:
Des Moines Register: ‘A serious mistake’: Union president criticizes Tyson Foods over attendance policy
Updated 6/4/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions:
Yahoo Noticias (Translated): Latino Food Stores, Focus of Coronavirus Spread in Colorado
UFCW Mentions:
Workers’s World: Workers unite to fight racism, cops, pandemic
Updated 6/3/2020
Kroger Mentions:
NW Labor Press: Heroes no longer? Fred Meyer ends hero pay
Fox Business: Hazard pay cuts: Essential coronavirus front-line workers speak out
Mission Mentions:
Pueblo Chieftain: Coronavirus outbreak at Mission Foods
NBC Southern Colorado KOAA 5 : COVID-19 outbreak at Pueblo food plant
AB Pueblo (KKTV): Outbreak at Pueblo food facility; multiple employees test positive for COVID-19
Fox 21 Pueblo: Coronavirus outbreak reported at Mission Foods plant in Pueblo Count
JBS Mentions:
Washington Post: As coronavirus took jobs or workers fell ill, teen children have toiled full-time,
Des Moines Register: Tyson: 815 workers at Iowa plants — 591 in Storm Lake and 224 in Council Bluffs — tested positive for COVID-19
UFCW Mentions:
Newsweek: 25 Percent Of Staff Test Positive For Coronavirus At Iowa Tyson Foods Plant, Production Resuming On Wednesday
Winnipeg Free Press: Pallister announces one-time bonus payment for low-wage front-line workers
Updated 6/2/2020
Kroger Mentions:
Texas Observer: ‘Heroes’ No More: Grocers Are Already Clawing Back COVID-19 Worker Benefits
Troy Media: Grocers move away from ‘hero pay’ model for staff
Mission Foods Mentions:
Civil Eats: The Pandemic Isn’t Easing Up, but Frontline Food Workers Are Already Losing
Univision: “Nos da miedo ir a trabajar”: los preocupantes contagios en empacadoras de carne y tortillerías de California
JBS Mentions:
Bloomberg Law: Meatpackers Test Boundaries of Anonymity in Covid-19 Lawsuits
Politico: As meatpacking plants reopen, workers terrified of coronavirus risk
UFCW Mentions:
Live Kindly: Meat Industry Labor Leader: ‘Liives Are Worth More Than A Ham Sandwich’
Food Dive: Calls to close Smithfield’s Farmer John plant escalate amid outbreak
Virginian Pilot: Regional stores are reopening in phases
Journal Inquirer (Manchester, CT): Stop & Shop extends bonus pay to July 4
WWLP (Chicopee, MA): UFCW Union to hold food drive for front-line workers
FarmForum: Producers and food workers call for better worker protections at meatpacking plants
Talk Business Net: COVID-19 cases up almost 10% over the weekend; Tyson Foods expands worker testing
Broadcast:
Newstalk 610 CKTB at 6/2/2020 6:49:24 AM
CTV News London on CTV Two London (CFPL)
Newshour on Aljazeera English
Updated 6/1/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions:
Longview News-Journal: Meat industry is trying to get back to normal, but workers are still getting sick
Wikipedia Entry: Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the meat industry in the United States
Kroger Mentions:
NPR: As ‘Hero’ Pay Ends, Essential Workers Wonder What They Are Worth
WCPO: Kroger, Walmart closed early in anticipation of continued protests
Dallas News: Development near downtown Dallas will include a new Kroger store
WLKY: Kroger announces new senior, at-risk shopping hours
JBS Mentions:
Politico Pro: As meatpacking plants reopen, workers terrified of coronavirus risk
Souderton Independent: No new coronavirus cases at JBS Souderton since meat packer reopened
UFCW Mentions:
Politico Morning Shift: Safety
DCist: For Local Giant Employees, Reopening Means An End To Hazard Pay Increases
Grocery Dive: Stop & Shop extends 10% pay increase
NBC 12 (VA): Following months of workplace complaints, Northam proposes on-the-job safety rules for COVID-19
Broadcast:
Fox 4 Morning News at 6am on WFTX-FTM (FOX)
Good Morning Texas Weekend on KXXV-WAC (ABC)
Updated 5/29/2020
Kroger Mentions:
USA Today: ‘I’m working to survive, not to live.’ Essential workers face pay gaps during the pandemic
Coral Murphy:
Indianapolis Recorder: Not all frontline workers work in hospitals. Meet grocery store butcher Juan Ruffin
Progressive Grocer: Stop & Shop Extends Pandemic Pay Increase
Huffington Post: More Grocery Chains Are Ending Hazard Pay Even As The Pandemic Continues
JBS Mentions:
Merco Pres: Spread of coronavirus threatening Brazilian slaughterhouses
Independent: $4 raise at JBS expires Sunday
UFCW Mentions:
Reuters: Los Angeles Union, Joined by ‘Pandemic Pig,’ Demands Meatpacking Plant Closure
Consumer Affairs: Tyson shuts down another slaughterhouse after employees test positive for COVID-19
NBC Sioux Falls: UFCW union calls for better safety measures for meatpacking workers
Consumer Affairs: Tyson shuts down another slaughterhouse after employees test positive for COVID-19
Grocery Dive: Stop & Shop extends 10% pay increase
ABC 7 (New York): Stop and Shop extends 10% pay bump for hourly workers
EcoWatch: Tyson Pork Plant Closes After More Than 20% of Workers Test Positive for COVID-19
The Pig Site: US union demands closure of LA meat processing plant
Broadcast:
Montana This Morning on KBZK (CBS)
Interview with Kim about Kroger Hero pay.
KCBA Monterey Morning News (Fox)
Segment on UFCW’s calls for more protective measures for workers.
Social Media:
Brian Kabateck – LA Based Consumer Rights Attorney
After 153 positive COVID-19 cases, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 770 is asking for the Farmer John meatpacking plant in Vernon to close down and maintain employee payroll and benefits while the outbreak is investigated. ow.ly/dGSS50zU2gl
Dave Jamieson — HuffPost Labor Reporter
An Albertsons spokesperson tells me they will be extending the $2/hr hazard pay at their chains (Albertsons, Safeway, Vons and others) through June 13. Hazard pay at some other companies is set to end this weekend (Giant, Whole Foods, Amazon) The UFCW represents many but not all workers in Albertsons holdings. This is a case where the union making a stink about hazard pay benefits workers in all the chains, union and non-union alike.
Updated 5/28/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions:
[Colorado Sun Repost] Montrose Press: As Colorado businesses reopen, coronavirus-related workers’ compensation claims are piling up
Kroger Mentions:
Westword: COVID-19 Update: New Outbreaks at Amazon, Stevinson Toyota
New Haven Register: Supermarket chain extends pandemic pay to July for CT workers
Patch Atlanta: Kroger To Begin ‘Thank You’ Pay; Workers Want Hazard Pay Back
WSB Atlanta: Kroger employees fighting for return of hazard pay for grocery workers
JBS Mentions:
NBC News 9: Here are the grocery stores, restaurants and other facilities with COVID-19 outbreaks in Colorado
UFCW Mentions:
Baltimore Sun: Union calls on Giant Food to extend workers hazard pay
Patch Connecticut: Coronavirus Pay Rate Extended At Stop & Shop
CBS Boston: Stop & Shop Extends 10% Pay Raise For Workers Through July 4th
Broadcast:
7 News at 11 AM on KMGH-DEN (ABC)
Kim Cordova interview on Kroger Hero Pay and benefits
2News Works For You Midday on KJRH (NBC)
Kim Cordova interview on Kroger Hero Pay and benefits
WXMI Grand Rapids Coronavirus Daily Rundown (FOX)
Kim Cordova interview on Kroger Hero Pay and benefits
WEVV Evansville – CBS News in the Morning (CBS)
Interview with anonymous Kroger workers about hero pay.
Social Media:
Hilda Solis — LA County Supervisor
Everyone needs nutritious food to stay healthy in this pandemic. I am working to make sure no one goes to bed hungry at night. Thank you @LAFoodBank, @LIUNA Local 300, @UFCW Local 1428, El Proyecto del Barrio, @LALabor and @cityofazusa for organizing today’s food distribution!
Chris Walker — CBC Journalist
Up next at 7:10 am on @CBCKelowna: Save-On-Foods, owned by BC’s richest person, cuts $2/hr pandemic pay during pandemic, offering staff grocery discounts instead.UFCW union says it’s “shocked,” starts letter writing campaign calling on company to reconsider.
Greg Harper — City TV Journalist
Union representing thousands of B.C. grocery workers says decision from Save On Foods to end pandemic premium pay for its employees is “irresponsible” and “unfair.” According to UFCW, the premium ends on Saturday. @BT_Vancouver @CityNewsVAN @NEWS1130
Updated 5/27/20
Kim Cordova Mentions:
Colorado Sun: As Colorado businesses reopen, coronavirus-related workers’ compensation claims are piling up
Kroger Mentions:
WJHL Kroger: Three associates test positive for coronavirus at store in Knoxville
WISHTV: Kroger holding last two days of free COVID testing
WVLT (Knoxville, TN): 3 employees positive for COVID-19 at Cedar Bluff Kroger
UFCW Mentions:
Los Angeles Times: ‘What the heck is going on?’ County supervisors demand answers on Vernon coronavirus outbreaks
ABC Denver (KATC): Hazard pay is ending for many essential workers despite ongoing hazard they face
LAist: Number Of Farmer John Coronavirus Cases Continues To Grow
Tri City News: Union in ‘shock’ as Save-On-Foods ends pandemic pay boost for workers
Broadcast:
MSNBC – MSNBC Live With Hallie Jackson
Segment on coronavirus outbreaks at meatpacking plants in LA. Includes a clip of Cordova speaking.
ABC Phoenix (KNVX) – Coronavirus: The Rundown
Segment on groups opposing the end of Hazard pay at kroger stores.
CBS Corpus Christi (KZTV) – Coronavirus: The Rundown
Cordova interview about risk to frontline workers
CW Denver (KWGN) – Daybreak News
Scandals in meatpacking in Colorado, including price fixing and outbreaks of COVID-19.
Social Media:
MSNBC
John Grant, UFCW Local 770 president, discusses coronavirus infections and deaths after outbreaks at meat processing plants.”A ham sandwich is not that valuable.”
Ayman Mohyeldin – MSNBC Anchor
John Grant, UFCW Local 770 president, joined me to discuss what it’s like speaking to families who have lost someone to coronavirus after outbreaks at meat processing plants.
Updated 5/22/2020 – 5/26/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions:
Washington Post: The meat industry is trying to get back to normal. But workers are still getting sick — and shortages may get worse.
[Reposted: Times-Union, Beaumont Enterprise, The Telegraph]
Fox Denver (KDVR 31): Second employee at King Soopers in Capitol Hill dies of COVID-19 complications
Noticias: Second King Soopers Employee Dies From Covid-19 In Denver (Translated)
JBS Mentions:
Bloomberg: Scared and sick, U.S. meat workers crowd into reopened plants
The New York Times: As Meatpacking Plants Reopen, Data About Worker Illness Remains Elusive
The Greeley Tribune: Who’s watching the plant? JBS oversight responsibilities seem murky as case counts, deaths climb
[ AP Repost] Fox13: Worker shortage concerns loom in immigrant-heavy meatpacking
Kroger Mentions:
Buzzfeed: “I Am Only Earning $300 A Week”: Here’s What People Are Making For Essential Work
Mother Jones: Grocery Workers May Be Called “Heroes,” But Their “Hero Pay” Is Disappearing
Denver Post: The coronavirus pandemic is widening the chasm between Colorado’s haves and have-nots
NPR: Grocery Workers Union Estimates 3,257 Members Infected With Coronavirus
CO Gazette: 2nd employee at Colorado King Soopers store died from COVID-19, union says
Sentinel News: Kroger, union differ on Hero Pay
World Socialist: More US grocery workers die from COVID-19
Denverite: Coworker of deceased King Soopers employee worries stores are still too crowded
CBS 4 Denver: Another COVID-19 Positive King Soopers Employee Who Worked In Denver Dies
Commercial Appeal: New COVID-19 case at Kroger Memphis warehouse after company ends hazard pay
UFCW Mentions:
North West Signal: Pay, protection sought for ‘essential’ workers
Commercial Appeal: In first area labor election since start of pandemic, food processing workers join UFCW
Broadcast:
MSNBC – Morning Joe May 26, 2020
Segment on the impact industry wide in the meatpacking industry, and on grocery workers. Interview with UFCW international president.
CNN – John King
Segment on case numbers and workers who have tested positively, focus on union in LA demanding plants closing after 150 workers test positive.
CNN – Poppy Harlow and Jim Sciutto
Segment detailing meat prices going up as the processing plants continue to be hot spots.
JBS:
7 News Now Saturday AM on KMGH-DEN (ABC)
NBC 9 Denver – KUSA News 9 (NBC)
ABC World News Tonight With David Muir
Clip on general cases in plants and hot spot situation, food price increase
UFCW/King Soopers:
CBS4 News at 6PM on KCNC-DEN (CBS)
FOX 31 Denver News at 10 PM on KDVR-DEN (FOX)
Today in LA KNBC- LA (NBC)
Social Media:
Raphael Warnock – GA Senate Candidate
Grocery store employees and all of our front line workers put themselves at risk everyday during this crisis to help us care for our families and communities.
I stand with @UFCW in their call for fair wages and proper protection for these essential workers.
Dick Durbin – Senate minority Whip
PART ONE of my conversation with Marc Perrone, President of @UFCW, about the importance of protecting workers & consumers from #COVID19.
PART TWO of my conversation with Marc Perrone, President of @UFCW, about the importance of protecting workers & consumers from #COVID19.
Bree Davis – Denver TV Anchor
Then why are your employees dying? And why would you end “hero pay” instead of just making pay raises permanent? Let us know when a Kroger exec’s bonus is only $400. Because $400 is all FT frontline workers are given- and that barely covers 1/3 of someone’s rent in #Colorado.
His name was James McKay. He worked at the Cap Hill King Soopers in #Denver, where his coworker Randy Narvaez also died from #covid19.It is clear that the execs at @kroger are not taking this seriously.
KOAA News5
A second employee at a Denver King Soopers has died from complications related to the novel coronavirus. He was believed to be one of the first cases reported at that store.
23ABC News
NATIONAL: Second King Soopers employee from Denver store dies of COVID-19, union says
Fox31 Denver KDVR
Seventy King Soopers and Kroger employees—in Colorado—have tested positive for COVID-19, according to a union rep with United Food and Commercial Workers #7.
Denver7 News
A second employee at the King Soopers in Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood has died from complications related to the novel coronavirus, union officials said Monday. The store is dealing with 11 reported cases of the new virus. https://bit.ly/2TCMd5e #COVID19Colorado
Supermarket News
SN Top 10: The latest news on coronavirus impact from @kroger @AldiUSA @Walmart @StaterBrosMkts @UFCW #Amazon http://ow.ly/XRnn50zQlrk @SN_news #coronavirusgrocery #supermarketnews
Updated 5/21/20
Kim Cordova Mentions:
The Hill: Unions worry Congress is one step closer to a liability shield
JBS Mentions:
Greeley Tribune: Growth in deaths from Colorado’s coronavirus outbreaks shows signs of leveling off; JBS no longer statewide outbreak leader
KDVR 31 Fox (Denver, CO): Colorado health officials adjust data, reduce number of COVID-19 cases at JBS plant to 264
Kroger Mentions:
NY Post: Kroger markets to stop extra pay to crisis workers
HuffPost: Kroger Workers Rip Grocer For Ending ‘Hero Pay’ During Pandemic
Atlanta Journal Constitution: Kroger is expanding its hours, expiring senior shopping hours this weekend
Buzzfeed: Harris Teeter Won’t Tell Employees What Their Temperature Is During New Health Screenings
Detroit Free Press: Grocery employees say they work in fear, want hazard pay to continue
USA Today: ‘No worker’s life is worth my getting a cheaper hamburger’: Biden urges protections in meatpacking plants
13 WMAZ: Kroger changes store and fuel center hours starting May 24
Fox Denver (KDVR 31): Colorado health officials adjust data, reduce number of COVID-19 cases at JBS plant to 264
UFCW Mentions:
Supermarket News: Grocery workers ‘not facing fewer hazards,’ UFCW says
WDRB: Union wants Kroger, other grocers to require masks for customers
NBC Denver (COVID-19. Outbreaks Have Been Confirmed at These 10 Colorado Grocery Stores
Broadcast:
MSNBC – Rachel Maddow
Weld County Department of Health testing form
KWGN (CW) Denver – Daybreak News
Worker death reporting at JBS Greeley
CNN International – Connecting the World
UFCW push to extendhero pay, PPE requirements
NBC Denver (KUSA) – News in the AM
Increased COVID cases among grocery store workers
CBS Grand Junction (KREX ) – News at Noon
Kroger ending hero pay
KTVD News 9 Denver – 9News in the AM
Worker death reporting at JBS Greeley
WNYC – FM Radio 3:00PM
UFCW push to extend hero pay.
Social Media:
The Hill – Media Outlet
Unions worry Congress is one step closer to a liability shield http://hill.cm/2ogKgO6
Sarah Riggs Amico – GA Senate Candidate
With more than 15,000 COVID-19 infections and 60 deaths within meatpacking plants, it’s well past time that we do more for our frontline meat and poultry workers.
We need common-sense measures passed to #ProtectAllWorkers now. @UFCW @RWDSU #1u
Jesse Rodriguez – Director of Booking MSNBC
Weld Co., CO form for meatpacking plant workers – obtained by @maddow: If you’ve been exposed to someone who has fever or respiratory symptoms, you are not eligible to be tested.
Suraj Patel, Congressional Candidate
America’s grocery workers are risking, and losing, their lives to keep our country fed. We have tragically lost at least 68 grocery store workers like Leilani Jordan. And that’s an undercount. I stand with @UFCW workers seeking job safety measures and ongoing hazard pay.
Updated 5/20/20
Kim Cordova Mentions:
ABC Tallahassee (WTXL 27): 11 employees at a single Denver grocery store have contracted COVID-19, 2 have died
Tin Aye/Randy Mentions:
Daily Mail: Grandmother, 60, who was eighth worker to die of COVID-19 at JBS meatpacking plant in Colorado was told she just had a cold and ordered to keep working, her daughter claims
Kroger Mentions:
Salon: Kroger abandons demand that employees return extra COVID-19 pay – here’s what happened
Food & Wine: Kroger Backtracks on Asking for Excess ‘Hero Pay’ to Be Returned
Cincinnati Enquirer: Bernie Sanders blasts Kroger CEO’s pay as ‘disgusting’
ABC Cincinnati (WCPO 9): Kroger lets workers keep extra ‘Hero Pay’ after company sent collection letters
TooFab: Kroger Swiftly U-Turns After Letter Demanding ‘Hero Pay’ Back Goes Viral
Fox Cincinnati: Kroger letting workers keep excess pandemic payments made in error
[Repost: Columbus Dispatch]
WDRB: Union wants Kroger, other grocers to require masks for customers
Social Media:
Fatameh Fakhraie – founder of Muslimah Media Watch
Don’t use #marketing to thank your employees if your house isn’t clean.
Another example: “thank you to our workers” ads from Fred Meyer on Spotify—they include a tacky promotion after the ad and are running while @kroger ends hazard pay.
Cristina Tzintun Ramirez – former US Senate Candidate
Essential means we pay essential workers what they deserve and give them the full protection they need. Thank you’s won’t pay the bills or be enough for these workers risking their lives for all of US! @UFCW
Updated 5/19/20
Kim Cordova Mentions:
The Patch: King Soopers Grocery Worker Dies From Coronavirus In Denver
Telemundo Denver: COVID-19 dies in Hispanic employee of King Soopers in Denver
ABC Denver (ABC 7): Denver King Soopers worker dies of COVID-19; same store has had 11 cases, officials say
[Reposted: CBS Va (WTKR 3)
CBS Denver (CBS 4): King Soopers Employee Who Worked In Denver Dies From Coronavirus
[Reposted: Denver Gazette]
NBC Denver (NBC 9): 2 more essential workers die from COVID-19 in Colorado
Democracy Now: 60-Year-Old Burmese Refugee Becomes Eighth COVID-19 Victim at Colorado Meat Plant
KKTV: Union reports 8th COVID-19 death at Colorado meatpacking plant
Daily Beast: JBS Meat Plant Clinic Told Eighth COVID-19 Victim She Had a ‘Normal Cold,’ Daughter Says
Fort Morgan Times: Eighth JBS Greeley worker dies amid coronavirus outbreak at meat plant
Kroger Mentions:
Buzzfeed: Harris Teeter Won’t Tell Employees What Their Temperature Is During New Health Screenings
PopCulture.com: Kroger Appears to Ask Workers to Return ‘Overpaid’ Emergency Pay
Cincinnati Enquirer: Oops: Kroger overpaid some workers and demanded repayment, now says ‘nevermind’
CBS News: Some grocery workers “scared to death” to return to work
GQ: Companies Are Quietly Pulling the Plug on “Hero Pay” for Essential Workers
Business Insider: Target extends it $2-an-hour coronavirus wage hike days after Amazon is slammed for taking away ‘hero pay
Houston Chronicle: Kroger gives $130 million in ‘Thank You Pay’ to associates and extends COVID-19 Emergency Leave
Fox Memphis (Fox 13): Kroger announces “Thank You Pay” for frontline hourly workers
Channel 3000: ‘We think Kroger should be leading’: Union pushes for grocery store chain to restore ‘hero pay’
Post and Courier: Uber announces more layoffs; Harris Teeter parent Kroger ends hazard pay, adds bonuses
Decatur Herald & Review: Kroger dedicates $130 million to employees bonuses
NBC Colorado Spring: Colorado coronavirus latest May 19: 2 more essential workers die from COVID-19 in Colorado
UFCW Mentions:
NY Mag: The Coronavirus Class War
Wrights Grocery Business: UFCW Calls Ending Extra Pay for Grocery Workers ‘Unconscionable’
KKTV Colorado Springs: Union reports Denver King Soopers employee died from COVID-19, asks that customers be required to wear masks
Broadcast:
7 News at 11 AM on KMGH-DEN (ABC)
Story of Tin Aye and Randy.
9News at 7am on KTVD (MyTV)
Story of Tin Aye and Randy , interview with Kim Cordova on importance of worker safety.
11 News at 6 AM on KKTV (CBS)
Story of Tin Aye and Randy , interview with Kim Cordova on importance of worker safety.
CBS4 This Morning-6AM on KCNC-DEN (CBS)
Story of Tin Aye and Randy , interview with Kim Cordova on importance of worker safety.
KUSA-DEN (NBC)
Story of Tin Aye and Randy , interview with Kim Cordova on importance of worker safety.
KCNC-DEN (CBS)
Story of Tin Aye and Randy , interview with Kim Cordova on importance of worker safety.
CNN with Poppy Harlow
Connect the World on CNN International (US)
Social Media:
Andrew Romanoff – Candidate for US Senate
Heartbreaking, especially because so many of these deaths are preventable. Grocery workers are begging their customers to wear masks. Is that too much to ask? To protect ourselves & the people who are keeping us from going hungry?
I stand with @UFCW_7. Every life is essential.
Poppy Harlow – CNN Anchor
Remembering Tin Aye who died this weekend after contracting #COVID19 — she worked at the JBS Greeley meat plant in Colorado. She was a mother, wife, and newly a grandmother who came to the U.S. in 2007 in search of a better life. She was just 60 years old.
Jillian Freeland – Candidate for Congress
An 8th JBS worker in Greeley has passed too. We have to work to protect people, not profits. These deaths were preventable, but greed got in the way. We have to do better.
Dianne Gallagher – CNN
Learn more about Tin Aye here: https://cnn.com/2020/05/18/us/jbs-employee-dies/index.html
Rob Low – KDVR
King Soopers to test all workers at Capitol Hill grocery store after 51-yr old employee Randy Narvaez dies from COVID-19. Doctors tried plasma & Remdesivir but neither worked. 11 of Randy’s co-workers in quarantine after testing positive #kdvr
KROGER ON SOCIAL:
Stephanie Ruhle – MSNBC Anchor
I am sorry….. WHAT Tell me I am reading this wrong… A company sitting on $2bn in cash, Doing more business than ever, Is asking employees to return some of the extra pay they received?
Sleeping Giants – Activism Organization
This is disgusting, @kroger.
Your CEO is just about to get a massive raise.
cc: @JuddLegum
Jamira Burley – Activist
I’m disgusted @kroger
Ilan ben Meir – Former Buzzfeed Reporter
Boycott Kroger. Let ‘em know right out the gate that we won’t stand for this kind of shit, or other big corporations are sure to follow
Linda Sarsour – Civil Rights Activist and Organizer
Are you kidding me @kroger?
Joe Gross – Journalist
Completely unacceptable @kroger
Updated 5/18/20
Kim Cordova Mentions:
El Globo: In the US, Latinos with Covid-19 are pressured to work in the meat industry (Translated)
The Denver Channel: Denver King Soopers worker dies of COVID-19; same store has had 12 cases, union says
Kroger Mentions:
Georgia Public Broadcasting: Kroger Offers Employee Bonus After Grocery Union Criticizes Cutting Of ‘Hero Pay’
CBS Denver: Kroger Ends ‘Hero Pay’ For King Soopers, City Market Employees
JBS/Tin Aye Mentions:
Denver Post: Eighth JBS Greeley worker dies amid coronavirus outbreak at meat plant
Fox Business: Texas meat plant city becomes coronavirus hot spot amid increased testing
Greeley Tribune: Eighth JBS worker dies amid coronavirus outbreak at Greeley plant
Terra: Alemanha registra quarto surto de covid-19 em frigoríficos
Broadcast Mentions:
KCFR-FM
NBC News: Weekend Today at 7
CNN Newsroom Live on CNN International (US)
9News at Noon on KUSA-DEN (NBC)
FOX 31 Denver News at 11AM on KDVR-DEN (FOX)
CBS This Morning on CBS Denver (KCNC-DEN)
ABC AM News – ABC 7 Denver
Social Mentions:
Rep. Diana De Gette
So sad to hear that Tin Aye, a Colorado meatpacking worker, and Randy Narvaez, a King Soopers employee, have both died from coronavirus.
My heart is with their families and @UFCW community during this tragic time. We can’t go on like this. Workers need stronger protections NOW!
Rob Sheridan @rob_sheridan
The onslaught of @kroger TV/radio ads saying “thank you for the long hours” to its workers has been sickening. Those ads are expensive. They’re not the “thanks” workers need. Great work here by Popular Information in a small but significant step in holding Kroger accountable:
Tony Kovaleski @TonyKovaleski
BREAKING- Denver7 has confirmed the 8th death of a JBS Greeley Slaughterhouse employee of Covid-19 related complications. @DenverChannel
Dianne Gallagher @DianneG
Tin Aye’s daughter says in early March a JBS health clinic told her mother she had flu/cold symptoms & could return to work
“If this is true, it would be a clear violation of our culture & procedures,” a JBS spox told CNN earlier this month.
CBS Denver
Tin Aye, A JBS Employee And New Grandmother, Dies From Coronavirus
Updated 5/16/20 & 5/17/20
Kim Cordova Mentions:
Fox Denver (KDVR 31): Employee at King Soopers in Capitol Hill dies of COVID-19
Westword: COVID-19: New King Soopers Death, but No Change in Mask Rule
Kroger Mentions:
Today: After protests, Kroger will issue ‘thank you pay’ to front-line workers
VOX: Essential workers are losing their hazard pay even though the hazard isn’t over
Fox Business: America’s largest grocery union blasts Kroger for ending ‘hero’ pay
Associated Press: Kroger announces new bonuses after cutting hazard pay
[Reposted: WFFT Fort Wayne, IN, News Journal Cincinnati, ABC News]
WTRF (Cincinnati, OH): Kroger announces $130 million ‘Thank You Pay’ bonus for employees
[Reposted: Our Quad Cities]
Eater: Kroger Offers Employees ‘Thank You’ Bonus After Receiving Criticism for Ending Hero Pay
NY Daily News: Kroger backtracks, will continue extra pay through mid-June amid coronavirus
MLive (Michigan): Kroger swaps $2 per hour ‘Hero Pay’ raise for frontline workers for one-time bonus
WRDW (Atlanta, GA): Kroger gives $400 bonuses to full-timers, hires more than 7,800 in region
CNN: Weekend beach crowds show what Memorial Day might look like (Excerpted)
[Reposted: WRDR GA, WAPT MS]
JBS/Tin Aye Mentions:
CNN: A refugee and new grandmother was the eighth employee at a Colorado meat packing plant to die from coronavirus
CNN Reposts: WKTV
CBS 4 (Denver, CO): Tin Aye, A JBS Employee And New Grandmother, Dies From Coronavirus
UFCW Mentions:
Skanner: Union Criticises Supermarket Chains for Ending Emergency Pay
Broadcast:
11AM
FOX 2 News on WJBK-DET (FOX)
9 AM
FOX 31 Morning News at 9 on KDVR-DEN (FOX)
8AM
Daybreak 8A on KWGN (CW)
Fox 4 Good Day Colorado on KFQX (FOX)
FOX 31 Morning News at 8 on KDVR-DEN (FOX)
CBS This Morning on KCNC-DEN (CBS)
Good Day Oregon on KPTV-POR (FOX)
Good Day Oregon on Fox 12 Plus
FOX40 News at 8am on KTXL-SAC (FOX)
Great Day on FOX26 on KMPH-FRES (FOX)
Mornings on Fox 11 on KRXI (FOX)
News 2 Midday on WCBD-CHS (NBC)
7AM
Daybreak 7A on KWGN (CW)
FOX 31 Morning News at 7 on KDVR-DEN (FOX)
6AM
Daybreak 6A on KWGN (CW)
CBS4 This Morning-6AM on KCNC-DEN (CBS)
5AM
Daybreak 5A on KWGN (CW)
CBS4 This Morning-5AM on KCNC-DEN (CBS)
4AM
FOX 31 Morning News at 4 on KDVR-DEN (FOX)
SUNDAY
FOX 31 Denver News at 10 PM on KDVR-DEN (FOX)
KCFR-FM Denver
FRIDAY
https://www.kiro7.com/video/?id=4905665
SATURDAY
Fox 31 Denver News at 5 on KDVR-DEN (FOX)
Rural Evening News on RFD-TV
FRIDAY
Market Day Report on RFD-TV
KRCG 13 Live at Sunrise on KRCG (CBS)
Social Media:
Davie Jamieson @Jamieson
-
Incredibly sad: The 8th JBS worker to die from coronavirus was Tin Aye. She had just become a grandmother after her daughter gave emergency birth while COVID19 positive, according to
-
@UFCW_7. Aye went on a ventilator right after her grandchild’s birth. From the union
-
Aye‘s daughter, San Twin, told CNN that a JBS company doctor told her mother she likely had the flu or common cold and could return to work at the plant. cnn.com/2020/05/18/us/jbs-employee-dies/index.html
Dianne Gallagher – CNN
-
Tin Aye wanted a better life for her children, away from the refugee camp in Thailand where they were born. She came to USA in 2007 & worked at the JBS plant in Greeley, CO. Tin Aye died Sunday from #covid19 She never got to meet her new grandson
-
As @jerharlanCNN points out in this article, Tin Aye is now the EIGHTH employee from the JBS beef plant in Greeley Colorado to die. She had been in the hospital and on a ventilator since March 29th, one day after her first grandson, Felix, was born.
Magdalene Visaggio @MagsVisaggs
-
As Kroger cuts “hero pay” because essential workers just aren’t worth the money, as Bezos does the same, as delivery drivers and restaurant workers trudge into work at risk of their own lives and dont even get a decent wage
Updated 5/15/20
Kim Cordova Mentions:
Greeley Tribune: JBS, Pilgrim’s Pride earmark $200M for COVID relief
Westword: COVID-19 and Colorado Grocery Workers: 64 Cases, Seven Deaths
NBC Decatur (WAND 7): Union fighting end to Kroger’s ‘Hero Pay’
Counter Punch: One Pound Capitalism, a Pinch of Democracy and Keep On Keepin’ On
[Reposted: LA Progressive]
Kroger Mentions:
Vice: Because I Work at Kroger, So Why Do I Feel Disposable?
The Wall Street Journal: Coronavirus to Slow U.S. Meat Production for Months, CEO Says
Click On Detroit: ‘Slap in the face’: Michigan lawmakers want Kroger to extend workers’ $2 raise beyond this weekend
WSBT 22: Kroger gives ‘Thank You Pay’ bonus to hourly associates for working during pandemic
Memphis Commercial Appeal: Stripped of hazard pay, Kroger workers challenge company’s ‘return to normal
UFCW Mentions:
TeenVouge: Coronavirus Spreading in Meat Plants Puts Workers’ Lives at Risk
Supermarket News: UFCW calls for grocers to extend COVID-19 emergency pay plans
Wall Street Journal: Coronavirus to Slow U.S. Meat Production for Months, CEO Says Head of the biggest U.S. beef producer says JBS is revamping operations
Supermarket News: UFCW calls for grocers to extend COVID-19 emergency pay plans
Broadcast:
NPR (WBUR): Here & Now: Coronavirus Plagues America’s Meatpacking Industry
Jeremy Hobson
May 14, 2020
Thousands of workers at meatpacking plants have tested positive for the coronavirus, as states and companies have been slow to test and release data.
Host Jeremy Hobson talks to Kim Cordova, who heads up the United Food and Commercial Workers union branch in Colorado and Wyoming which represents thousands of food processing employees.
NBC Colorado Springs (KOAA): NBC Colorado Springs News 5 at 6PM
May 14, 2020
Interview with anonymous UFCW Member
One News Page: Kroger To End Coronavirus ‘Hero Pay’ (Video)
May 15, 2020
Kroger announced it hired 100,000 workers since March, as grocery store demands surge amid the coronavirus pandemic.
They’ve reportedly spent $700 million in associate pay, including its ‘Hero’ bonus of $2 per hour.
However, Kroger said the bonus will end in May and that has sparked outrage among the staff.
NPR: Grocery Store Chain Kroger Is Planning To End ‘Hero Pay’
Social Media:
Ezra Kaplan – NBC
Buried in this announcement is the confirmation that Kroger is ending hero pay for hourly employees. It will instead give one-time “Thank You Pay” to qualified workers.
NPR Business
Grocery Store Chain Kroger Is Planning To End ‘Hero Pay’
Judd Legum – Popular Mechanics
UPDATE:
@Kroger, which planned to eliminate its $2/hour “hero bonus” on Sunday, has announced that it will pay full-time workers a $400 bonus This is the equivalent of extending the “hero bonus” for 5 weeks.
https://popular.info/p/update-krogers-21-million-man
—
This isn’t everything @kroger workers DESERVE.
But ACCOUNTABILITY JOURNALISM and PUBLIC SCRUTINY made a difference.
And there is still so much work to do.
You can be a part of this effort by signing up for my newsletterRightwards arrow
—
Kroger will pay part-time workers $200.
Importantly, it will also continue its expanded paid sick leave policy that it put in place after public pressure in March.
https://t.co/wBCH7pt6XC?amp=1
—
For those looking for confirmation, here is a link to Kroger’s press release.
https://t.co/40gu4CvRaK?amp=1
—
@slpng_giants organized a letter writing campaign targeting Kroger execs which had a big role in prompting this change
Updated 5/14/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions:
Harvard Law School: Rethinking Essential: Business, Work, and Human Rights in the Covid-19 Pandemic
ABC Denver (ABC 7): King Soopers worker pleads for grocery store to mandate masks for customers
Market Watch: Kroger has hired 100,000 workers since March, will end bonus pay mid-May
Kroger Mentions:
WTHR: Kroger to stop offering ‘hero bonus’ for employees, unions ask it be continued
Fox Business: Kroger ending coronavirus ‘hero pay’ for workers Sunday
Salon: Kroger still plans to slash employees’ “hero pay” after another grocery worker dies of coronavirus
Bloomberg: Essential Workers Are Losing Their ‘Hazard Pay’ Even As the Pandemic Rages On
[Reposted: Time]
Chicago Tribune: Extra pay for many essential workers is expiring, even as COVID-19 deaths mount. Labor groups fight to keep ‘hero pay.’
[Reposted: MSN]
NBC Portland (KGW 8): Front-line workers to lose coronavirus ‘Hero Bonus’ pay from Fred Meyer
CBS Columbus (WBNS TV 10): Kroger ending $2 an hour “hero pay” bonus for workers
Retail Wire: Should grocers keep paying their associates like heroes?
Yahoo Finance: Kroger ending coronavirus ‘hero pay’ for workers Sunday
CBS Milwaukee (WDJT 58): Kroger’s end to Hero Pay will affect thousands of grocery workers in Milwaukee area
Cincinnati Biz Journal: Kroger employees at Cincinnati store test positive for coronavirus – Cincinnati Business Courier
UFCW Mentions:
Salon: “What are you hiding?”: Nebraska stops releasing coronavirus data from meat plants after cases spike
Meat & Poultry: Plaintiffs in price-fixing case ask for judicial notice of Trump executive order
Bloomberg: Fourth USDA Inspector Dies From Virus Amid Meat Plant Outbreaks
Broadcast:
WBUR (Radio): Coronavirus Plagues America’s Meatpacking Industry
Social Media:
Human Rights Institute
Thank you @ARamasastry @UWSchoolofLaw, Alison Kiehl Friedman @theICAR, Kim Cordova @UFCW, Janhavi Dave @hnsa_2016, Aminta Ossom @Harvard_Law for a dynamic discussion on protecting workers’ rights during the crisis. Another #covid19justice event coming up:
Human Rights Program
Thank you to #RethinkingEssential #COVID19Justice panelists @ARamasastry @UWSchoolofLaw, Alison Kiehl Friedman @theICAR, Kim Cordova @UFCW_7, Janhavi Dave @hnsa_2016, Aminta Ossom @Harvard_Law for important interventions on behalf of workers’ rights
ICAR
HAPPENING NOW: “Rethinking Essential: Business, Work, and Human Rights” & COVID-19 #covid19justice:
— @ARamasastry @UWSchoolofLaw
— Alison Friedman @theICAR
— Kim Cordova @UFCW_7
— Janhavi Dave @hnsa_2016
— Aminta Ossom @HarvardLawHRP
https://columbiauniversity.zoom.us/j/155632333 p-w 200022
Gender&SexualityLaw
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Kim Cordova: In our meat processing plant, all of the workers but one were Latino and one was Burmese. They were all over 60yo as well. This pandemic has had a detrimental impact on people in those groups. I think that has something to do with the response from these employers.
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Kim Cordova: “The most important and critical part of the food supply chain is the workforce. You are seeing people dying in these industries, and it’s because the response by most of these employers was late or inadequate.” #covid19justice
Center for Human Rights
Today 12:10 ET #covid19justice: @ARamasastry @UWSchoolofLaw, Alison Kiehl @theICAR, Kim Cordova @UFCW_7, Janhavi Dave @hnsa_2016, Aminta Ossom @HarvardLawHRP: “Rethinking Essential: Business, Work, and HumanRights in the Covid-19 Pandemic.” https://columbiauniversity.zoom.us/j/155632333 p-w 200022
University of Dayton Human Rights
Today 12:10 ET #covid19justice: @ARamasastry @UWSchoolofLaw, Alison Kiehl @theICAR, Kim Cordova @UFCW_7, Janhavi Dave @hnsa_2016, Aminta Ossom @HarvardLawHRP: “Rethinking Essential: Business, Work, and Human Rights in the Covid-19 Pandemic.” https://columbiauniversity.zoom.us/j/155632333
Updated 5/13/20
Kim Cordova Mentions:
CBS Denver (CBS 4): Colorado King Soopers Union Demands To Keep ‘Hero Pay’ As Positive Cases Increase
CGTN: Coronavirus crisis shines new light on U.S. food processing plants
Kroger Mentions:
Fox News: Kroger to end ‘Hero Pay’ coronavirus bonus, as workers’ union fights back
WAVY 10: Kroger to end ‘hero pay’ for essential employees; local workers frustrated
Cincinnati Enquirer: Kroger to wind down ‘hero’ pay; union urges to keep ‘for as long as we face a global pandemic’
LA Times: Grocery stores and coffee chains gave workers hazard pay. Now they’re taking it back.
WDRB: Kroger to end ‘Hero Pay’ coronavirus bonus, as workers’ union fights back
UFCW Mentions:
Motley Fool: Workers Are Dying at Meatpacking Plants, and Investors Need to Take Note
Bloomberg: U.S. Meat-Plant Changes Signal End of the 99-Cent Chicken
[Reposted: Financial Post, Regina Leader-Post]
WFPL: ‘Will It Be Enough?’: Meatpacking Workers Fear For Safety As Coronavirus Cases Mount
Axios: “Disposable workers” doing essential jobs
LA Times: Grocery stores, coffee shops halt coronavirus hazard pay
Broadcast:
ABC (WIRC 8): Kroger’s ‘Hero Pay’ ending soon as Virginia nears reopening
Updated 5/12/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions:
Fox Denver (KDVR 31): JBS meat plant begins testing all workers for COVID-19
Kroger Mentions:
Motley Fool: Why Kroger Is in Talks With Unions About Its Hourly Hero Bonus
CBS: Kroger ending $2 an hour “hero pay” bonus for workers
Spokesman-Review: Grocery union seeks to extend hourly ‘hero pay’ bonus
CBS Knoxville (WVLT 8): Kroger ends $2 ‘hero pay’ bonus for employees
CBS Dallas Fort-Worth (CBS 11DFW) Kroger Grocery Stores Ending $2 An Hour “Hero Pay” Bonus For Workers
Meat & Poultry: Ag Secretary praises reopening of meatpacking plants
UFCW Mentions:
The Print: US sees Covid spread twice as fast in areas where major meatpacking plants have reopened
ABC Harrisonburg (WHSV 3): Union calls on Kroger to extend Hero Bonus ‘until the end of this crisis’
The Pig Site: Meatpacking union opposes reopening of US pork plants
Spokesman: Grocery union seeks to extend hourly ‘hero pay’ bonus
Local12: Kroger ends $2 an hour ‘hero pay’ for employees
WHSV: Union calls on Kroger to extend Hero Bonus ‘until the end of this crisis’
Broadcast:
World Today on CGTN News
KTLA (WB) – Los Angeles – KTLA 5 Morning News at 11
Social Media:
University of Dayton Human Rights
Thurs. May 14, #covid19justice series, join @ARamasastry @UWSchoolofLaw, Alison Kiehl @theICAR, Kim Cordova @UFCW_7, Janhavi Dave @hnsa_2016, Aminta Ossom @HarvardLawHRP: “Rethinking Essential: Business, Work, and Human Rights in the Covid-19 Pandemic.” http://tinyurl.com/covid19justiceseries
Updated 5/11/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions:
NPR/PBS New Mexico (KRWG): How Can Meatpacking Plants Adapt To The Threat Of COVID-19?
EHN: The push to relax COVID-19 protections exposes age-old racial wounds
Reuters: As U.S. meat workers fall sick and supplies dwindle, exports to China soar
Fox Denver (KDVR 31): Daughter says ailing mom was told to return to work at JBS despite COVID-19 symptoms
Market Watch: County health chief quits after coronavirus crisis at Colorado meatpacking plant
Bloomberg Reposts: Daily Item, Lincoln Journal Star, Columbian
Kroger Mentions:
ABC Cincinnati (WCPO 9): Kroger to end pandemic ‘hero bonus’ for workers in mid-May
Ark Times: What Kroger giveth, Kroger taketh away. No more ‘hero pay’
Biz Journal: Kroger negotiating with unions about end date for ‘hero pay’ – Cincinnati Business Courier
UFCW Mentions:
Healthline: How You Can Help Protect the Health of Grocery Workers During COVID-19
Politico: USDA to send fatter checks to farmers – POLITICO
Radio Canada International: Another Cargill meat plant shuts down because of COVID-19
Press Citizen: West Liberty turkey plant to furlough workers due to COVID-19 fallout
Social Media:
Judd Legum
@kroger CEO Rodney McMullen is paid $12 million per year Sales at his stores are boomingMultiple Kroger workers have died of COVID-19 But, as the pandemic rages, McMullen plans to rescind its $2/hour “hero bonus” for hourly employees in six days
JamiDave Jamieson
“Kroger will be eliminating the $2 per hour ‘hero pay’ for grocery workers on May 17, per the @UFCW. So we’re going to see these rather small hazard pay premiums start disappearing soon. I’m pretty sure there will still be a deadly virus around though.”
Judd Legum
“”Kroger-owned grocery stores across the West, including stores in Colorado, will eliminate ‘Hero Pay’ for grocery workers starting May 17.” “Hero Pay” is what Kroger called paying employees $2 more per hour https://t.co/ELDh4j31Ty“
Judd Legum
@kroger’s executives are making a bet The bet is that most people won’t notice or care that they are cutting pay for hourly workers by $2 during a pandemic Why are they risking it? Reducing labor costs could earn the execs millions in bonuses
https://t.co/ZFz9EZ1qug?amp=1
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UPDATE: @Kroger tweeting this message to dozens of customers. Pretty much a non sequitur. No actual explanation of why they need to cut pay for hourly workers in the middle of a pandemic
Updated 5/8/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions:
NY Mag: Workers Are No Longer Heroes, Kroger Concludes
Fox Denver (KDVR 31): Kroger plans to eliminate ‘Hero Pay’ for grocery workers, UFCW Local Unions respond
Myscoop: Kroger Plans To Abolish ‘hero Pay’ For Food Workers, Ufcw Local Associations Respond
NBC News: These are the most dangerous jobs you can have in the age of coronavirus
CBS Denver: Kroger Plans To End $2/Hour ‘Hero Pay’ Increase May 17
Colorado Sun: Colorado’s governor says state can still shut meatpacking plants down as union calls for protections
UCSUSA: The Push to Relax COVID-19 Protections Exposes Age-Old Racial Wounds
Univision: Empleada de una planta procesadora de carne lucha por su vida conectada a un respirador artificial
CBS 4 Denver: Family Says JBS Worker With Coronavirus Went To Work With Symptoms After Negative Test
NBC Kennewick (KNDO 23): Unions Push Back on Kroger Notice to Eliminate Hero Pay
Seattle Times: Supermarket chains begin terminating ‘hero’ pay to workers during pandemic
CBS Denver: Kroger Plans To End $2/Hour ‘Hero Pay’ Increase May 17
Patriot LA: Kroger to Eliminate `Hero Pay’ Bonus for Employees Working During Pandemic
Fox Phoenix (Fox 10): Kroger to discontinue ‘Hero Pay’ bonus for employees working during pandemic
The Skanner: Unions Call On Kroger To Cease Plans To Eliminate Hero Pay For Essential Workers
Denver Post: Two JBS Greeley employees say they were fired after staying home sick during coronavirus pandemic
Loveland Reporter Herald: Two JBS Greeley Employees Say they were fired after staying home sick during coronavirus pandemic
Daily Camera: Two JBS Greeley employees say they were fired after staying home sick during coronavirus pandemic
Broadcast:
5/8/2020
CNN – Brooke Baldwin
CNN New Day – Tammy and Ann Day
5/7/2020
NBC – NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt
CBS Evening News
Social:
CNN Newsroom – Brooke Baldwin
“Companies have treated them — and our own President is treating them — as disposable objects, and they’re not.” Kim Cordova, president of a union that represents 30,000 meat-plant workers, says that employees need protection and paid sick leave. https://cnn.it/3du4FEG
CNN
“Companies have treated them — and our own President is treating them — as disposable objects, and they’re not.” Kim Cordova, president of a union that represents 30,000 meat-plant workers, says that employees need protection and paid sick leave. http://cnn.it/3du4FEG
Updated 5/7/2020
Kim Cordova Mentions:
Food & Wine:Is Meat Essential? Why Keeping America’s Processing Plants Open Is Causing Controversy
Westword: COVID-19: Rachel Maddow Crushes Greeley’s JBS Plant After 7th Death
KQ2: Restaurant Owners Attributing Price Increases On Meat To Drop In Labor At Meat Processing Plants
Food and Wine: America’s Meat Factories Deal With Outbreaks and Closures While the Government Demands a Return to Normal
Occupational Health and Safety: Businesses Begin to Open, and So Do Worker Safety Lawsuits
La Oferta: COVID-19 deaths, infections and absenteeism rise in Colorado refrigerator
Fox31 Denver: State attorneys general ask Justice Department to investigate meat prices
Telemundo Denver: Continúan muertes por COVID-19 en la procesadora de carnes JBS de Greeley
UFCW Mentions:
The New York Times: Opinion If Trump Wants Meat Plants Open, He Should Protect Their Workers
Hot Air: It’s Time: Tyson Reopens Meat Processing Plant In Iowa
JBS Mentions: