Sorry for confusion. Here's the story: Hundreds of people showed up at Smithfield to demand that the plant be closed for 2 weeks. Word among workers was that the line was halted this morning—to prevent a possible walkout, to begin deep cleaning? Not sure.
For those saying this doesn't look like much: Crete is a town of 7,000 people. There were more than 150 cars, each carrying multiple people. Loaded minivans, etc. Hundreds of people, many plant employees.
I've covered the meatpacking industry, off and on, for 12 years. To me, the idea of a large-scale protest of workers on the grounds of the plant where they work would have been inconceivable six months ago. This is extraordinary.
And here's some additional context for what has been happening at this particular plant.
