Covid-19: Quebec Cargill meat plant shut down after workers test positive

Cargill-plant-in-Chambly-min

Cargill meat plant shut down – A Cargill meat processing plant, located in Chambly in Quebec’s Monteregie region, will temporarily shut down after 64 workers tested positive with the Covid-19 virus. This comes after their Cargill plant in High River, Alberta had to be closed on April 20th for two weeks, when over 900 workers also tested positive. The Monteregie region public health department said they have been working with Cargill since April 25th and that the company decided to shut down on its own, even though it was not ordered to do so.

UFCW (United Food and Commercial Workers) union spokesperson Roxane Larouche, said in an interview with The Canadian Press on Sunday May 10th, that the factory nurse sent 171 workers home last week as a preventive measure and 30 of them have already been diagnosed with the virus. “What has been decided with public health, in collaboration with Cargill, is that from (this) Wednesday the factory will be closed in order to carry out the tests and the reopening is planned at the time when we have enough workers to restart this factory, she stated and added that several measures had been previously put forward in the hope of avoiding such a scenario, such as the wearing of glasses, a visor and masks by the employees on the production line, as well as the installation of Plexiglas. Employees’ arrival and departure times were also shifted between the different shifts and she said that there has been good cooperation between the employer and the union, as well as with the Monteregie public health authorities.

<p> </p>

All union members will be receiving their wages during the closure. ‘We are granting up to 80 hours paid leave to people who need to take time off work to cope with COVID-19. While the plant is shut down, employees will be paid up to 36 hours plus the usual benefits, as we want to show our gratitude to our employees’, Cargill stated in an email. The decision was of course welcomed by the union. The idea behind that is that we don’t want workers to have to choose between their financial health and their physical health. We especially don’t want a worker not to reveal his symptoms or to acknowledge that he has been in contact with someone declared positive because he is afraid of losing his salary, Larouche said.

By: Bonnie Wurst – info@mtltimes.ca

Other articles from mtltimes.ca and totimes.ca

REM construction sites resume operations

REM construction sites resume operations – (photos)

<p> </p>

COVID-19: CDN-NDG Reaches out

Covid-19 cases and deaths in Montreal could rise sharply with reopenings

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email
Is it possible to get an A for a 5-paragraph essay assignment in 1 hour? We can safely say yes, a student can get an A+ mark if he turns to EduJungles


drug addiction

Why drug addiction is a problem that cannot be ignored

Drug addiction, with its insidious grip on individuals and communities alike, stands as one of the most pressing issues of our time. It’s a problem that transcends socio-economic boundaries, affecting people from all walks of life. From the suburbs to urban centers, its impact reverberates through families, workplaces, and society at large. Ignoring the depth

Combating Harassment

Raising Awareness: Legal Strategies for Combating Harassment in Canada

In the modern world, where the dynamics of interpersonal relations are constantly evolving, the issue of harassment has emerged as a critical concern that demands our immediate attention. Canada, known for its strong stance on human rights, offers a comprehensive legal framework aimed at combating harassment in all its forms. This article delves into the

ultimate online casino

Discover your ultimate online casino destination in Canada

Ever noticed how the thrill of the casino can now be found not just in sprawling complexes adorned with flashy lights but right in the comfort of your own home? Yes, your ultimate online casino destination in Canada is revolutionizing the way we engage with gambling and betting games, offering everything from slots and table games to

Montreal to Miami

Traveling from Montreal to Miami? Here Are Some Legal Precautions and Tips

It takes more than just excitement to begin your journey from Montreal to Miami; there are legal matters to take care of to ensure a trouble-free trip. Now, let’s go into some significant legal issues and helpful advice to assist you, from preparing before you travel to avoiding difficulties while in Miami. Are you prepared

Netflix launch game streaming

Netflix launch game streaming service in Canada

Netflix has rolled out their beta for game streaming. Right now it’s only available to a small selection of members in Canada and the UK. The limited test launched with another rollout set to take place in the coming weeks. The global streaming platform launched its games service in 2021, but they have since acquired

gaming companies

How does the new privacy law framework affect gaming companies?

What is the new law? Quebec has introduced its new privacy law framework to prevent companies from collecting unnecessary data from its customers to protect the province’s residents, and it imposes responsibilities on companies and organizations that handle data. Known as Law 25, the legislation aims to modernize the existing data privacy framework and align

Mtltimes Subscription

The latest on what’s moving Montreal and the world – delivered straight to your inbox