Written by Rachel Martin
As many as 60 workers are understood to have refused to start their shifts at the Linden Foods site in Dungannon this morning (March 27).
The workers demanded “immediate talks” with management said there was a “total absence” of social distancing measures on the boning line, in the canteen and at entry and exit points.
It follows similar staff action at Moy Park and ABP Lurgan over the last few days.
Walkout
Brian Hewitt, Unite regional officer for workers at Linden Foods in Dungannon said he was contacted by workers after they walked out this morning.
“There have been ongoing issues between management and workers at Linden Foods in Dungannon over the issue of the absence of social distancing for workers on the boning line, in the canteen, changing areas and at entry and exit points,” he said.
“The company’s management has provided no additional wash facilities and failed to stagger breaks.
“Workers have been reporting to Unite that those exhibiting symptoms are still allowed to work as are those with family members who self-isolating as result of being in the high-risk health category.
“Both inside and outside the company, Unite has been raising health and safety concerns over the last weeks and unfortunately these have been ignored by management.
“In desperation and fear for their health and well-being, this morning approximately 60 workers refused to enter the workplace and sought assurances from management that 2m spacing would be adopted throughout.
“Management are continuing to ignore the concerns of their workers – they are putting the lives and well-being of their employees at risk – their intransigence is entirely unacceptable.
“Linden Foods must engage with these workers and commit to providing comprehensive infection control measures to end this walkout,” Hewitt said.
Factories already maintain high hygiene standards
Meanwhile, an open letter to agri-food employees signed by Michael Bell executive director, Northern Ireland Food and Association (NIFDA), highlighted that staff were already working in a “controlled hygienic environment”, which is routinely sanitised.
“Personal protective equipment and strict handwashing and hygiene protocols are already in place, and unnecessary – staff are restricted from food production areas,” Bell wrote.
Bell also praised staff for their hard work during a difficult time.
“We are very proud of our food and drink – it is world-class, and we have many awards to prove it. Demand for food from supermarkets has been increasing, as you will have seen and experienced,” he wrote.
“We have been stepping up to the plate to meet that demand. Some of the increased demand is unfortunately due to stockpiling, and some is due to people having to eat at home all the time rather than in restaurants and cafes.
“All of us working within the entire food chain – farmers, processors and retailers – are doing our best to keep safe and keep going.”
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