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new report released by Oxfam America details how in order to process huge amounts of chickens in their factories each minute, poultry companies are denying adequate bathroom breaks to their workers, sometimes resulting in workers coming to work wearing diapers because they know there is a big risk that they won't be able to use a restroom.
The horrifying report states:
"Workers urinate and defecate while standing on the line; they wear diapers to work; they restrict intake of liquids and fluids to dangerous degrees; they endure pain and discomfort while they worry about their health and job security. And they are in danger of serious health problems."Supervisors of these plants are under immense pressure to meet the speed of the processing line, and when a worker has to use the restroom, they need someone to come in and cover their spot in the line. But the report explains that workers often have to wait an hour or more for someone to relieve them, if someone comes at all.
This kind of treatment of factory workers is absolutely unacceptable. Tyson Foods, Pilgrim's, Perdue, and Sanderson Farms control most of the poultry market, and it is their responsibility to make sure they are protecting the welfare of their workers.
Please sign the petition demanding that each of these companies develop and release specific policies for ensuring that workers get adequate bathroom breaks and are treated with dignity.