November 2020

Workers in the meat processing sector were some of the hardest hit by Covid-19 outbreaks, with over 10% of the workforce contracting the virus1. The pandemic has laid bare the historically poor working conditions for these essential workers alongside the consistent shortcomings of institutions set up to protect them. It also exposed legislative barriers in accessing social protection, including sick pay.

This research reveals the systemic culture of poor and dangerous working conditions, with employers who put profit before the health and safety of their workers.

This research draws on the results of a survey conducted with 151 workers from the meat processing sector in Ireland...

This research demonstrates that state institutions have failed and continue to fail workers. An urgent review and action is required of statutory bodies tasked with protecting workers in such a difficult and dangerous sector. Workers and their representatives need to be included in discussions on the future of the agri-food sector and sustainability.

MRCI has long been calling for the urgent reform of the Employment Permit system. Maintaining and expanding legal routes for migration is of utmost importance in a globalised world. However the current set up provides employers with too much power. Improvements need to be made to enable workers to change employer, allow for mobility, and as a result, hold employers to account and reduce exploitation.

Sick pay should not be at the discretion of the employer, and should be a guaranteed right for anyone working in Ireland. Legislative change that introduces comprehensive and compulsory national employer sick pay without income level or time qualifiers are urgent.

The systemic racism and discrimination prevalent in this sector must be addressed head on. This sector relies on low wages to make a profit and needs to change to invest in the long-term health and safety of its workforce. There needs to be greater transparency around the sectoral profits and re-investment in the workplace and workforce.