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Home > Projects & Research : Workers' Rights

Workers' Rights

The Human Rights Program in conjunction with Nebraska Appleseed and the Midwest Coalition for Human Rights is working to investigate and make meatpacking a safer job. With an injury rate more than twice the national average, meatpacking is one of the most dangerous jobs in America.

Meatpacking workers work in some of the most hazardous conditions of any industry. Workers must deal with loud noises, hot and cold temperatures, slippery floors and most of them are wielding sharp knives. All of these things are compounded by a slaughter line that is moving at a rate of about 400 head of cattle an hour or about one every ten seconds. Common injuries include cuts, lacerations, and in some cases amputations or death. Additionally, the work is extremely physical. Workers must deal with meat that is very heavy and usually make the same cutting motion for hours on end. Workers often suffer repetitive motion injuries such as carpal tunnel, tendonitis, and strains and sprains.

All of this is further compounded by the fact that many of the workers are immigrants. Communication is often a problem in meatpacking plants. Managers and supervisors often do not speak the language of their workers and therefore it is hard to communicate any problems that may exist.

In November 2006, Nebraska Appleseed released a report, "Dignity on the Line: An Evaluation of the Nebraska Meatpacking Workers Bill of Rights".. The Bill of Rights is landmark state-level legislation that outlined eleven basic rights for workers that aimed to protect their health and safety. The Appleseed report looks at the effects the Bill of Rights has had on the meatpacking industry and its workers in Nebraska and offers recommendations for strengthening its impact.

For more information, visit the Workers' Rights page at the Midwest Coalition for Human Rights site.

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