Workers walk out at food plants over coronavirus safety fears
Workers have walked out of two food processing plants in Northern Ireland due to fears about a lack of coronavirus safety measures.
Around 80 employees at APB Meats in Lurgan and 1,000 workers at poultry provider Moy Park's site in Portadown left on Wednesday due to concerns about unsafe working conditions.
Food production is classed as a key service to keep the nation running during the coronavirus lockdown, but the government has advised safe social distancing should be practiced.
Susan Fitzgearald, Unite's regional coordinating officer called on the UK government to act quickly to protect workers deemed essential to keeping the food supply chain operational.
“Unite has been informed that the workers are demanding adequate social distancing of two metres be facilitated and enforced, and other measures be adopted to keep workers as separated as possible," Ms Fitzgerald said.
The union is also calling for deep cleans on work stations where workers have self-isolated following the onset of coronavirus-like symptoms.
Moy Park has said that 100 team members walked out, not 1,000 as unions reported and they returned to work after 15 minutes. The company issued a statement to clarify what safety measures they have put in place for workers.
A spokesperson for Moy Park said: “The health and wellbeing of our team is our most important consideration and we have put new, robust measures in place to keep them safe.
“We have thoroughly reviewed our sites and continue to take on board feedback from our team members. We had already identified seven areas to enhance social distancing.
“These measures include staggering breaks, respacing workstations and communal areas, as well as installing screens on appropriate production lines. We also continue to make provisions for those who can work from home to do so using remote technology as well as increased cleaning and the availability of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
“Our teams are playing a vital role in keeping food production moving and feeding the nation. We are committed to ensuring they are safe and well to keep providing these essential food products.”
While a statement from ABP said: “The safety and wellbeing of colleagues is paramount and the company has introduced a variety of additional measures at all sites in recent weeks in response to Covid-19.
“These measures include protocols around essential visitors, temperature checking, additional sanitising stations, staggered breaks, additional canteen spaces and many other robust protocols that are in place in food manufacturing facilities.
“The company is taking guidance from the relevant public health authorities and are continually reviewing the situation and taking additional steps where necessary.”
During Wednesday's update, First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill called on non-essential employers to close - and if they had to remain open, to take steps to ensure staff safety.
Mrs Foster said those working in food production were extremely valued and urged their employers to look after them.
She added: "We need them to make sure that their employees are safe, not only safe but that they feel valued.
"We want them to continue to be able to provide food in this very difficulttime."