|
Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
For more information call: 202 219-8211
This month, the U.S. Department of Labor will begin an evaluation on
compliance with workplace laws in the poultry processing industry to assure
that workers are paid properly and that safe working conditions are in place
throughout the industry.
"The Labor Department wants to help guarantee that workers in this
industry have a safe, healthy and fair workplace," said Labor Secretary Alexis
M. Herman. "We've been working closely with the industry, workers and their
unions, and advocacy groups to design this initiative in a way that will
advance our common interests in assuring the necessary level of compliance in
this industry."
The department's Wage and Hour Division and the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration will conduct a compliance survey of a representative
sample of poultry processing facilities nationwide. Compliance surveys have
been previously used by the department in the garment, nursing home and other
industries.
The purpose of the survey, which is expected to end sometime in
November, is to develop a baseline measure of industry-wide compliance. This
information will help the department use its resources more effectively and
evaluate changes in the level of industry compliance over time. The survey
information also will help the industry identify any compliance issues that may
need remedial action so the nearly quarter-million workers in the industry
fully benefit from labor law protections.
The initiative includes investing the department's resources in outreach
and education to the poultry processing industry on workers' health and safety
and wage and hour laws. The agencies will seek compliance by employers and
enlist the cooperation of employees and other interested organizations in the
effort to ensure good working conditions.
Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
| 
