.@SmithfieldFoods exploited the COVID crisis & put thousands of lives at risk. @OSHA_DOL shrugged as workers died, then issued the lowest possible fine for endangering thousands of workers, sending a message that companies won't face real accountability. argusleader.com/story/news/cri…
I'm glad @OSHA_DOL has now acknowledged that failing to keep workers safe from COVID-19 is a violation of the general duty clause. But they investigated this Smithfield facility in March – why did they wait until thousands of workers got sick, & some died, before taking action?
I've called for @OSHA_DOL to do its job & increase enforcement, but this is shameful. OSHA could have issued a citation for violations of social distancing guidelines in every section of the plant. They could have classified the violations as willful & charged higher penalties.
A few months ago, @SmithfieldFoods' CEO said our concerns about the company exploiting workers are “patently and demonstrably false” & whined about being treated unfairly in a full page @nytimes ad. This meager, months-too-late fine isn’t enough. bloomberg.com/news/articles/…
It’s a federal crime to lie to Congress. If @SmithfieldFoods’ CEO was aware of @OSHA_DOL’s findings at the same time he called allegations of worker mistreatment demonstrably false, he should be held accountable.
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