No increase in line speeds in USDA Poultry Modernization Rule

After intense lobbying by labor unions, food safety groups and the civil rights community, the proposed increase in line speeds to 175 birds a minute has been dropped and the current maximum rate of 140 birds a minute maintained.

In a statement welcoming the publication of the new rule, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) International President Joe Hansen commented:

“For more than two years, UFCW members have spoken out with a simple and compelling message: safe line speeds mean safe workers. With this rule behind us, I look forward to working with the Department of Labour and the USDA to make our poultry plants safe and ensure more workers can have a voice on the job.”