Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Meat plant workers walk out over ‘lack of social distancing’
DOZENS of workers downed tools at meat processing plant yesterday, claiming they aren’t being protected from Covid-19.
The union Unite said about 60 staff refused to start work at Linden Foods in Dungannon, Co Tyrone, because of a “total absence of social distancing measures”.
Regional officer Brian Hewitt said:
“Workers have been reporting to Unite that those exhibiting symptoms are still allowed to work, as are those with family members who are selfisolating as a result of being in the high-risk health category.”
But in a statement, the company said it had put in multiple safety measures, including doubling the size of the canteens, put up new handwashing and sanitising units and temperature checks on staff. Linden Foods did not respond to questions about allowing staff who showed symptoms to continue work.
The company is jointly owned by ABP Food Group.
Earlier this week 80 workers walked off the firm’s site in Lurgan, Co Armagh, citing safety fears.
Linden Foods said 40 of its staff had not come to work.
It added: “In light of the evolving pandemic we have been actively implementing a range of measures across all our sites to provide a safe working environment.
“We are adhering to Government guidance and continue to actively take feedback from our teams on the implementation of the measures taken.
“We fully appreciate and respect our teams who continue to attend work as key workers, ensuring that the food supply chain functions smoothly to keep the nation fed.”