Rights of Workers of the Meat Industry

Civil rights are the government-protected rights of individuals against arbitrary or discriminatory treatment by governments or individuals. Throughout history, the Fourteenth Amendment’s equal protection guarantees have been the foundation of efforts to expand upon the original intent of the amendment. Building on the successes of African American and women, other groups including Hispanics, American Indians, Asian and Pacific Island Americans, gays and lesbians, and those with disabilities organized to appeal for expanded rights and to lobby for anti-discrimination laws. A newer group that has often been ignored or disregarded is the workers of the meat industry.

Working conditions in the U.S. meat industry are so hazardous and the tactics that employers use to prevent workers from organizing so threatening that the industry consistently violates basic human rights. Workers in American meat industries perform dangerous, physically demanding and exhausting jobs in bloody, greasy surroundings. The workers not only contend with abuses and an unprecedented volume and pace in sawing and cutting carcasses, but they also experience constant fear and risk, not only for their health and safety but for their jobs if they get hurt or attempt to organize.  Many of the workers are undocumented immigrants, so employers intimidate them by threatening to call immigration authorities. Many injured workers, who not uncommonly lose a limb or suffer severe life-threatening injuries, don't get workers' compensation when injured, and government laws, regulations and policies and enforcement fail to protect them.

The workers of the meat industry need to make a big statement in order to gain the rights that they have been deprived of. In order to do this, they must apply both political and economic pressure. One tactic that could be utilized would be to boycott the meat industry. If they promote their cause to gain more support, a strike against the meat industry would seriously hurt the business, and these large industries would have no choice but to make a change. The political pressure they could apply could be to constantly appeal to government officials, and try to gain some supporters who have positions in office. Through these actions, they can definitely make a change and get the rights they deserve.