Top Class Actions’s website and social media posts use affiliate links. If you make a purchase using such links, we may receive a commission, but it will not result in any additional charges to you. Please review our Affiliate Link Disclosure for more information.
The RCMP is reportedly starting a criminal investigation into a large coronavirus outbreak at an Alberta Cargill meat-packing plant. The move comes after a provincial Occupational Health and Safety inquiry and as a class action lawsuit proceeds against the plant.
Cargill Meat-Packing Plant COVID-19 Outbreak Leads to Deaths
The Cargill meat-packing plant located in High River, Alta. was the site of one of the largest workplace coronavirus outbreaks in the province. According to CBC News, over 900 workers tested positive, while more than 1,500 total cases of COVID-19 were linked to the plant.
Additionally, three deaths were reportedly linked to the outbreak at the plant, including one 67-year-old employee, an employee’s 71-year-old grandfather, and a 51-year-old union shop steward.
Over 2,000 people work at the plant, including many temporary foreign workers. CBC News reports that many of the Cargill meat-packing plant employees live in large households and share transportation. Close contact has been associated with the spread of coronavirus.
The plant reopened just over two weeks after its employee’s death, with the company reportedly assuring the public and its workers that safety measures have been put in place, including protective barriers, face masks and shields, and providing busses to transport employees. However, some workers said that the plant was still operating unsafely as of this spring.
RCMP Launches Criminal Investigation
The beginning of the new year brought the opening of a criminal investigation into the Cargill meat-packing plant by the RCMP, according to CBC News.
CBC News reports that the 16-year-old-daughter of a Cargill worker who had died of COVID contacted the High River RCMP about an investigation into the plant.
“I spent Christmas with one less person to hug,” she told reporters. “And all the executives and general managers, everyone at Cargill got to spend Christmas with their loved ones. And I did not get that.”
According to the RCMP, the matter is still in a preliminary stage.
“We have created a file, so to speak. An investigation has commenced,” Staff Sgt. Greg Wiebe told reporters. “It’s not going to be your routine investigation, certainly. There’s probably a lot of moving parts to it.”
Spring Investigation Leads to Agency Orders
The Cargill meat-packing plant was subject to an earlier investigation by Alberta Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) that resulted in a May 2020 order requiring the plant to adhere to labour law regulations.
CBC News reports that the OHS order issued four specific requirements of the company; First, Cargill must report any new infections in its workforce. Additionally, the company needs to conduct investigations into the circumstances that lead to these infections. Finally, a report must be prepared and provided to OHS officials and the work site health and safety committee.
Legal experts told CBC News that, if Cargill fails to comply with the new orders, they may face further consequences.
“I’d say that this should be taken as a strong reminder by the company to make sure that the workers and the union are being involved in the important decisions that affect their safety,” an employment lawyer told reporters.
Cargill Meat-Packing Class Action Lawsuit
This summer a proposed class action lawsuit was filed against the operators of the High River Cargill plant on behalf of individuals who were in close contact with plant workers.
The plaintiffs say that plant operators knew or should have known that the measures they put in place in the facility would be insufficient. They claim that Cargill knew the outbreak at the plant would not only affect its workers, but their family, friends, and those in the community.
“Yes, there’s a pandemic — that part’s not your fault. You can’t do anything about that,” a lawyer representing the plaintiffs told CBC News. “But there are things that you can do to make sure that your workers don’t get sick, and that if they do get sick, they don’t get a lot of other people sick.”
Reportedly, the class action lawsuit does not include Cargill workers because those claims are covered under labour and workers compensation laws.
Cargill Plant Continues to Operate
According to CBC News, the High River meatpacking plant continues to operate as one of the largest beef processors in the region.
“Maintaining a safe workplace has long been one of our core values, and we recognize that the well-being of our plant employees is integral to our business and to the continuity of the food supply chain throughout Canada,” said Cargill in a recent statement.
How do you think the outbreak at the High River Cargill meat-packing plant should have been handled? Tell us your opinion in the comment section below.
ATTORNEY ADVERTISING
Top Class Actions is a Proud Member of the American Bar Association
LEGAL INFORMATION IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE
Top Class Actions Legal Statement
©2008 – 2024 Top Class Actions® LLC
Various Trademarks held by their respective owners
This website is not intended for viewing or usage by European Union citizens.
5 thoughts onCargill Meat-Packing Plant Investigated by RCMP After COVID Deaths
Add me
Add ne
Add me
Add me
There is definitely something wrong in the operation of these plants. Workers have become ill with Covid 19 all over continent. Animals are forced to exist in terrible conditions. This is a profit motivated industry that mainly benefits owners and high level management. Big changes needed!