Moy Park refutes union accusations of ‘callous’ behaviour

PACEMAKER BELFAST 25/03/2020
Staff have walked out of food firm Moy Park over coronavirus safety concerns.
Unite says workers left their stations at the company's food processing site in Portadown.
The union said social-distancing measures had not been enforced at the Seagoe site.
A Moy Park spokesperson said they had already put "new, robust measures in place" to keep their employees safe.
They included staggering breaks, respacing workstations and communal areas and installing screens on some production lines.
PHOTO PACEMAKER PRESS — PACEMAKER BELFAST 25/03/2020 Staff have walked out of food firm Moy Park over coronavirus safety concerns. Unite says workers left their stations at the company's food processing site in Portadown. The union said social-distancing measures had not been enforced at the Seagoe site. A Moy Park spokesperson said they had already put "new, robust measures in place" to keep their employees safe. They included staggering breaks, respacing workstations and communal areas and installing screens on some production lines. PHOTO PACEMAKER PRESS

The firm was hitting back after the Unite union issued a blistering attack over what they had termed the ‘callous’ refusal to extend financial protections to self isolating employees.

Sean McKeever, Unite Regional Officer said: “Moy Park bosses have once again confirmed their callous disregard for the well-being of their workers.

“Unite approached the company to request those having to shield themselves due to underlying health issues, those self-isolating with symptoms and other vulnerable workers should receive full pay. We gave management a week to respond but we have received no response.

“The UK government has provided 80 percent compensation for the costs of leave to employers, while sales revenues for foodstuffs are very sharply up.

“This refusal by Moy Park bosses is already causing deep resentment among workers,” Mr McKeever concluded.

However, a spokesperson for Moy Park refuted the claims and said; “We see our team as Food Heroes, who are working harder than ever to keep food production moving at this critical time.

“Over the last number of weeks, we have been working tirelessly to ensure staff are safe and are recognised for their hard work.

“We have measures in place to protect all team members, including those who are extremely vulnerable and front-line workers.

“Those colleagues who have been contacted by the NHS to stay at home due to their medical condition will receive a minimum of 80% of their basic contractual pay while they shield and care for themselves.

“We completely refute any suggestion that we are focused on profits over employee wellbeing.

“This is a difficult time for us all and it is important that the Northern Ireland food industry shows that it can play its part in feeding the nation as this crisis unfolds.”

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