NLRB declares union win at pork plant

TAR HEEL, N.C. – The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) on Monday declared that the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) had won the right to represent workers at Smithfield Packing Co.’s plant in Tar Heel, N.C.

The agency certified the votes on Monday, having delayed over the weekend to ensure no objections were still in transit.

The win ends a decade-long fight between the UFCW and Smithfield about organizing the 4,600 workers at the pork slaughterhouse, the world’s largest.

NLRB assistant regional director Howard Neidig told media organizations certification letters were faxed Monday to company and union attorneys.

Neidig reportedly said the agency still must resolve several pending complaints of unfair labor practices the union filed in the months leading up to the vote. The NLRB hopes to quickly settle the complaints now that the election has finished.

 

Source: Associated Press



Poultry industry, USDA urge farm registration

WASHINGTON – The National Turkey Federation (NTF), National Chicken Council (NCC) and United Egg Producers (UEP) are urging farmers to register their premises with the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) to help protect their flocks in the event of a disease outbreak.

Working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the trade associations have developed and are distributing a brochure, “First Steps: Register Your Premises,” which encourages growers to register their farms.

While registration is voluntary in most states, NTF, NCC and UEP encourage poultry growers and egg producers to register their premises to assist state governments and first responders.

“We urge all broiler growers to register their premises with the National Animal Identification System,” said NCC President George Watts. “Getting registered means chicken producers will be informed promptly if there is a serious animal disease outbreak in the vicinity. This will help protect the flock and the grower’s livelihood.” 

Poultry growers can obtain a copy of the brochure by contacting NTF, NCC, or UEP.

 

Source: National Turkey Federation