The Nebraska Legislature fails to protect essential Nebraskans

Today, the Nebraska Legislature failed to move forward with the introduction of legislation to create key COVID-19 protections for essential Nebraskans working in meat and poultry facilities. Despite months of pleas from workers, their families, and communities for the Legislature to act, a motion filed by State Senator Tony Vargas to permit the introduction of a new bill failed by only two votes.

We want to thank Senator Tony Vargas and the 27 other Nebraska state senators who supported the opportunity to consider legislation that would provide greater protection to the more than 20,000 essential Nebraskans who work in meat and poultry processing facilities. The health and safety of workers and family members across our state continues to be in jeopardy due to a lack of COVID-19 protections in meat and poultry plants. 

Contact your senator. Thank the following senators for their vote to support the motion:

If your senator is not in the list of those who supported the motion, please call to express your continued concern.

It is stunning that there were not enough Senators willing to vote for an opportunity to hear about what is happening to Nebraskans working in this industry, 80% of whom are immigrants, refugees, and people of color. Nearly 5,000 meatpacking workers have tested positive since the pandemic began. As of Tuesday, at least 21 workers have died and hundreds have been hospitalized. Yet those numbers were not compelling enough to take action. 

Communities, working Nebraskans, families, and farmers across the state want to see meatpacking COVID-19 protections without delay. 25 statewide organizations called on the Legislature for action and yesterday community members gathered at the Capitol. We will continue to fight together with people working in meat and poultry processing until adequate protections are in place.

Darcy Tromanhauser
She/her/hers
Immigrants & Communities Program Director
Nebraska Appleseed