Local 710 Carl Buddig Teamsters Stand in Solidarity for Enhanced Protections for Food Workers
National Day of Action Calls Attention to Critical Food Supply Chain Workers
Local 710 Carl Buddig National Day of Action 2020
SOUTH HOLLAND, IL | Yesterday, Teamsters Local 710 members at Carl Buddig joined in with food supply chain workers all across the country for a day of action to demand protection for our critical workers.
Workers in more than 30 cities raised their voices to demand change in the wake of recent COVID-19 outbreaks in the food industry, specifically the need for enforceable safety standards, government funding for paid sick and family leave, hazard pay, access to PPE, and testing capacity.
Their voices have been heard at the Carl Buddig facilities in South Holland, where the company has already demonstrated a proactive approach to the COVID-19 pandemic and increased safety measures in the workplace. In early May, the facilities shut down for three days to perform a deep cleaning and install new safety features, including plexiglass partitions along all production lines, hand sanitizer stations, and social distancing markers through the facilities. They have also implemented new procedures to reduce large groups in lunch rooms (including partitions in there as well), and all employees are met by a nurse practitioner to take temperatures upon entry into the facilities.
“Local 710 has been in active communication with this employer since this pandemic started to work on safety improvements for our workers,” said Business Agent Mike Ramirez. “The measures Buddig has now employed are working well to keep our workers safe, and ultimately the community who buys the deli products processed at these facilities. It is crucial that we continue to push for enhanced protections for all our food supply chain workers.”
