Thursday, May 12, 2016

Modern Slavery in Food Processing

Workers in chicken processing plants here in the US (perhaps on the Eastern Shore, where hundreds of millions of birds are raised each year?) have to wear diapers since they aren't allowed to use the bathroom during shifts; in Thailand, workers are chained up or locked in shrimp processing plants. A few years ago an investigation found problems with the programs bringing in workers to pick crab here in Maryland as well. That program is back in the news after Senator Mikulski pushed for continued exceptions to labor laws on its behalf.

In an international food marketplace the race to offer the best products at the lowest prices inevitably puts workers at risk, making policing of labor conditions so important. Thanks to the journalists and investigators who are bringing these to light!