LETTERS TO SECRETARY TOM VILSACK ON THE

"MODERNIZATION OF POULTRY SLAUGHTER INSPECTION"

 

The USDA has published a proposed rule, "Modernization of Poultry Slaughter Inspection" that will allow large poultry processing facilities to run their lines at 175 birds per minute by expanding the existing HAACP Inspection Model Program (HIMP) to replace current inspection systems.  We are sharing the letter below and asking our members to join us in sending comments to Secretary Tom Vilsack, urging him to pull this rule until a comprehensive investigation on the effect that line speed has on workers in poultry plants has been completed and reviewed.

The UFCW opposes this new rule because no comprehensive effort has been made to determine the effect faster line speeds and changes in safety protocol (the increased use of chlorine, for instance) will have on the health and safety of the workers in these plants.  USDA has remained steadfast in its assertion that worker safety is not their responsibility.

Please help UFCW convince the USDA to pull the rule entirely until studies are completed on the impact existing HIMP methods are having on workers in those plants.  We are told by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) that these studies take one year to complete.  With worker safety on the line, this does not seem too long to wait.

We are asking members to send the letter below to Secretary Vilsack before April 26, 2012.  This will send him the message that workplace safety counts.

Options for submitting comments:

Federal eRulemaking Portal: This website provides the ability to type short comments directly into the comment field on this web page or attach a file for lengthier comments.  Go to:

http://www.regulations.gov  Follow the online instructions at the site for submitting comments.

Mail:  Send to Docket Clerk, US Department of Agriculture (USDA), FSIS, Docket Clerk, Patriots Plaza 3, 355 E. Street SW, 8-163A, Mailstop 3782, Washington, DC 20260-3700

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The Honorable Tom Vilsack

Secretary of Agriculture

United States Department of Agriculture

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20250

 

Dear Secretary Vilsack:

As a member of UFCW, I am writing to urge you to withdraw the "Modernization of Poultry Slaughter Inspection" rule until a comprehensive study has been completed that measures the impact that the increased line speed and new safety protocols will have on the health and safety of workers in poultry slaughter and packing houses.

This year the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) will begin investigating the impact that increased line speed has on workers at plants participating in the Salmonella Inspection Project (SIP).  NIOSH has indicated that this study will take one year to complete.  It would be reckless for the United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) to issue a final rule before this investigation is completed.

American workers in the field of poultry processing deserve a work environment that adheres to health and safety standards based on sound science.  To implement this rule without completing this investigation is unacceptable.  American workers expect more from you and from this Administration.

Sincerely,

 

UFCW Member

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