Articles Tagged with ''essential workers''

To date, three plants have experienced at least one confirmed positive COVID-19 case among their teams. At each of the affected plants, George's immediately implemented COVID-19 response plan actions, making sure that all health, safety, and sanitation measures were implemented, including deep cleaning procedures and notification of any coworkers who had possible close contact with these individuals. The approach, and the practices  adopted, follow the guidance issued by the CDC and utilize the hierarchy of controls.

Smithfield Foods expressed its support for the activation of the Defense Production Act which safeguards the country’s food supply that provides sustenance to hundreds of millions of Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also protects the livelihoods of millions of American family farmers who produce bountiful livestock supplies but rely on meat processing facilities to convert that abundance into food. Grocers and restaurants are dependent on farmers, processors and distributors to supply protein to the country. This action helps ensure the American people will not experience protein shortages.

Brookshire Grocery (BGC) is giving its nearly 14,000 retail employees an additional bonus installment that equals up to a half-week’s pay. This second discretionary bonus complements the first bonus given in March for a total of one-week’s pay, and comes after a temporary pay increase of $1 per hour through May 1, 2020. The company also provided its staff with a supply of face masks to wear while working.  

The IIR calls on national governments to consider the various services of refrigeration and air conditioning as “essential services” in the context of the spread of COVID-19 in countless countries around the world. Over 15 million people are employed worldwide in the refrigeration sector--including air conditioning--which consumes about 20% of the overall electricity used worldwide.

Government officials have repeatedly stated that the food industry is a critical infrastructure industry and that bans and travel curfews should not apply to the food industry. Further, they are working to convey and increase their messaging this important message to state and local governments.  In response to recent discussions with members, we have prepared a letter that you may share with your employees, providing legal justification for business travel as professionals in an industry that the government has deemed critical to this country.

As a result of the COVID-19 crisis, Delkor has made significant changes to our business which we would like to share with you.