Report finds workers not consulted in Cargill investigation
Posted May 11, 2020 7:27 am.
Last Updated May 11, 2020 8:05 am.
CALGARY (CityNews) – An Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) report finds Cargill’s investigation into the COVID-19 outbreak at its High River plant didn’t include worker representation, leaving some questioning why the plant was allowed to reopen.
The report was provided by the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 401 which represents workers at the Cargill plant.
“The investigation to what led to the COVID-19 outbreak among its employees was not conducted with the participation of the joint worksite health and safety committee, violating a section in the OHS act,” the report reads.
“Further, Cargill has not demonstrated to OHS that any attempt was made to engage the worker representation of the committee in its investigation.”
.@UFCW401 saying the investigation hasn't brought back many answers, only questions into why the plant was allowed to re-open. They're requesting a stop-work order. OHS is giving Cargill until May 18 to finish its investigation and include workers in it. @yyc #COVID19 @660NEWS
— Saif Kaisar (@StaySaif) May 11, 2020
“We’re talking about life and death,” said Michael Hughes with UFCW 401. “If we don’t have answers to how it happened before how are we supposed to endorse opening up right away and ensure workers won’t get sick again?”
Hughes said they’ve been calling for a stop-work order due to the lack of representation.
RELATED: Cargill plant reopens with fears from workers, fight from union
“Worker representatives and their rep have not been included in the process even when we asked to be included and so that is a big no-no in laws in this province and the company has to make it right.”
In a statement, Cargill said the plant was “was not found in ‘non-compliance’ of the OHS Act and a new order was not issued against Cargill. We fully intend to cooperate with the OHS officer’s direction and will consider further recommendations from the committee.”
Adrienne Smith, press secretary for the Minister of Labour and Immigration said OHS has given Cargill until May 18 to complete their investigation with the participation of the joint worksite health and safety committee.
