-
Typical
Rights of Poultry Processing Workers
-
Union vs. Non-Union vs. Labor
Contractor
All poultry
processing workers have certain basic rights, regardless of their
immigration status, and even when employed through a labor contractor.
Poultry processing workers under a typical union contract enjoy
significant additional rights and a means to enforce those rights.
Rights may
vary slightly depending on the specific state, employer or collective
bargaining agreement. The following chart reflects the rights
poultry processing workers have in Mississippi and most similar Southern
states. It is important to note that violations of many of these
rights are common, particularly in non-union plants and even more
particularly by labor contractors.
|
|
Non-Union Plant |
Union Plant |
Contractor |
|
Right to be paid
minimum wage |
yes |
yes |
yes |
|
Right to be paid overtime |
yes |
yes |
yes |
|
Right to be paid for all time
at workplace |
yes |
yes |
yes |
|
Higher wages |
no |
yes* |
no |
|
Guaranteed pay increases |
no |
yes* |
no |
|
Organize or join a union |
yes |
yes |
yes |
|
Workers’ compensation for
work injuries |
yes |
yes |
yes |
|
Grievance procedures |
no |
yes* |
no |
|
Protection against unfair
termination |
no |
yes* |
no |
|
Health insurance |
no |
yes* |
no |
|
Unpaid leave if you have a
new child |
yes |
yes |
yes |
|
Unpaid leave if you or a
family member is seriously ill |
yes |
yes |
yes |
|
Paid sick leave |
no |
yes* |
no |
|
Paid vacation |
no |
yes* |
no |
|
Paid holidays |
no |
yes* |
no |
|
Protection against
discrimination |
yes |
yes |
yes |
|
Unemployment benefits |
yes |
yes |
yes |
|
Rest breaks |
yes |
yes |
yes |
|
Bathroom breaks |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes*:
Benefits may vary depending on the union contract in effect at the
workplace.
