DeLauro Statement on GAO Report Highlighting Abuses in the Poultry Industry

WASHINGTON, DC (May 25, 2016) — Congresswomen Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today released the following statement regarding a new U.S. Government Accountability Office report on the occupational hazards faced by workers in the poultry and meatpacking industries. The report found that the industry routinely denies workers medical treatment, penalizes workers for taking sick days, and has not corrected numerous safety violations that were detailed in a 2005 report.

"Today's GAO report is another sign that we must continue to press for government inspections in the poultry industry. While the industry has complained that the inspections are unconstitutional, they are completely legal and necessary to ensure the health and safety of American workers. No one should be ever denied medical treatment for a workplace injury and workers should be able to take a sick day to recover without the threat of retaliation. Period.

"The message is clear: the U.S. poultry industry is putting profits over the health of its workers. Many of the violations found in this latest report were detailed more than ten years ago in a report from 2005. The industry has had more than a decade to correct these abuses, yet they still continue today. It is unconscionable that the industry continues to skirt the rules while rejecting safety reforms. We must do more to ensure the health and safety of poultry workers and I will continue to fight for reforms."

Earlier this month, DeLauro led Members of Congress in calling on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to continue its increased focus on occupational hazards faced by poultry processing and meatpacking workers.

DeLauro has long fought against abusive labor practices in the poultry industry. Last year she led a letter to OSHA calling for a national emphasis program. Since then, OSHA has announced several regional emphasis programs that include targeted inspections in certain states and regions that have the most egregious violations in worker rights.

###