Setting the record straight on meatpacking industry

If Bob Kustra’s recent op-ed were to be graded, he would have received an “F.”

The article was primarily political, but it included some specious statements veiled as fact. Anyone is entitled to his own political views, however, inaccuracies about meatpackers deserve to be countered with data.

Meat plants have not moved to southern rural areas to escape unions. In fact, most southern meat plants are unionized. Across the U.S., union workers account for 70% of beef and 60% of pork processing. The element at work is basic economics. Plants have moved closer to more abundant livestock supplies.

Dr. Kustra claimed part of America’s meat industry has been deregulated. However, meat processing is a highly regulated industry, overseen by many government agencies including USDA-FSIS, AMS, FDA and local officials. Meatpackers are dependent on early adoption of new technology which moves plant operations forward, including line speeds. One should not be shocked to find out that plant innovation has increased dramatically since the time ”The Jungle” (political genre) was published in 1905.

Innovation also has improved the industry in terms of safety. In 2018, meatpackers had the lowest rate of worker injuries and illnesses on record, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Also according to the bureau, the average meatpacking employee is paid around $16 per hour, excluding benefits — not $12 per hour as was claimed. Today, these employees are receiving additional compensation.

Meatpacking plants continue to follow CDC and OSHA guidelines to protect workers during the current pandemic as much as possible. Plants are incorporating temperature checks, physical barriers, social distancing and additional protective equipment. Everyone wants these employees safe. We also have to recognize they have a tough job — an essential job. That was the case, though, long before COVID-19. The global pandemic has shone a light on the tremendously effective, affordable and bountiful food system America normally enjoys. It took empty grocery store shelves for most people to pay attention to this critical industry. The thing is, the rest of us in food production have always been aware.

We need these meat processing workers. We need them to be safe. We need them to feed the nation.

I believe Dr. Kustra meant to start a conversation about food production. We share an equal concern about worker health and safety. We just need to remember to apply intellectual rigor and factual data to these conversations.

This story was originally published May 20, 2020 at 11:29 AM.