Written by John Swire
Team members at Moy Park’s plant in Seagoe in Portadown have walked out in protest over concerns about health and safety measures during the coronavirus outbreak, including complaints that social distancing of two metres between staff was not being rigorously enforced.
Sean McKeever, Unite the Union’s regional officer said: “Unite attempted to secure commitments to ensure a minimum two metre social distancing between workers and other measures to enable infection control in the face of the coronavirus threat but our proposals were dismissed by management.”
Moy Park said around 100 workers were involved in the walkout, which lasted around 15 minutes.
A spokesperson for Moy Park said: “The health and wellbeing of our team is our most important consideration and we have put new, robust measures in place to keep them safe.
“We have thoroughly reviewed our sites and continue to take on board feedback from our team members. We had already identified seven areas to enhance social distancing. These measures include staggering breaks, respacing workstations and communal areas, as well as installing screens on appropriate production lines. We also continue to make provisions for those who can work from home to do so using remote technology as well as increased cleaning and the availability of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). We are continually reviewing the situation and taking additional steps where necessary.
“Our teams are playing a vital role in keeping food production moving and feeding the nation. We are committed to ensuring they are safe and well to keep providing these essential food products.”
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