Cargill faulted for probe into plant outbreak
Meat packer failed to include workers in virus investigation as required by law
Cargill failed to engage worker representation during its investigation into the largest COVID-19 outbreak in the province, a review from Alberta Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) found.
There are now 952 COVID-19 cases to date at the meat-processing plant in High River, about 65 kilometres south of Calgary, representing more than 15 per cent of Alberta’s total cases. It is the biggest outbreak at a single facility in Canada. Under the provincial OHS Act, employers are required to investigate in conjunction with the joint work-site health and safety committee. In a report obtained by Postmedia, OHS investigators said provided documents and conversations with Cargill representatives revealed they were not following the mandatory procedure.
Thomas Hesse, president of UFCW Local 401, which represents workers at the meat-processing facility, said the findings further erode trust among staff and the public in Cargill’s ability to protect its roughly 2,000 employees.
“It’s disturbing how the employer is not in compliance with the law and yet the plant remains open,” said Hesse. “What the findings reveal very, very clearly is that no one is talking to the workers.”
The southern Alberta slaughterhouse reopened May 4 after a forced two-week shutdown, during which Cargill said it implemented additional safety measures to reduce the spread of the deadly virus, which has killed one worker.
The union attempted to stop the reopening by seeking a stop-work order from OHS and filing a complaint against Cargill and the provincial government, alleging unfair labour practice.
“Our legal system is based on witnesses and they’re ignoring the witnesses, so anyone who came to the conclusion that the plant was safe to operate — it was artificial. If you aren’t talking to the workers, it is artificial,” Hesse said. “That’s why (OHS) law requires the participation of workers.”
OHS is now demanding that Cargill report any new suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19, investigate all workplace exposures to the virus and detail those findings in a report to be given to OHS and the joint work-site health and safety committee.
Adrienne South, press secretary for Labour and Immigration Minister Jason Copping, said OHS has issued Cargill an extension to complete its investigation with the work-site’s health and safety committee. The company has until May 18 to comply.
South said no further comment could be provided while the investigation is ongoing.
A hearing before the Alberta Labour Relations Board is scheduled for Thursday and Hesse said the union will be asking for “retroactive compensation and damages” for Cargill employees.
He said the board has considerable authority to remedy certain things and that the hearing will parallel with findings in the OHS review.
“(Workers) have a collective voice and you don’t get to ignore that voice,” Hesse said. “This company has been found guilty in the court of community and public opinion … I don’t think it’s hard to conclude people are offended by this. I think people are looking for justice.”
Hesse said the union has a heavy presence at the plant, with representatives, union activists and workers-compensation advocates dedicated to the Cargill file.
“There is still considerable apprehension and fear (among workers). We’re pushing every day for a safer workplace but it’s going to be a lot of test drives going on before anyone is convinced,” Hesse said.
“I think the place is getting better every day but there’s still some more work to be done.”
On Sunday, a second Cargill facility announced a COVID-19 outbreak and said it will close its doors on Wednesday. At least 64 workers at the meat-processing plant south of Montreal have tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
Cargill did not immediately respond to a request for comment.