Press Release

Tragedy at Georgia Poultry Plant Highlights Need for Safety Protections

Statement from AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka on the liquid nitrogen leak at a Georgia poultry plant that killed six workers:

Our hearts go out to the loved ones of the six workers who tragically died and those who were critically injured in a preventable accident at the Foundation Food Group plant in Gainesville, Georgia. This did not have to happen. Safety concerns have long been raised as a major issue in many poultry plants, and Thursday’s incident shows what can happen when those calls go unheard. All workers have the right to be safe at work, but often are not provided the proper protections by their employers. Our unions will keep fighting to ensure that the best safety protocols are in place and followed in all workplaces. 

Contact: Carolyn Bobb (202) 637-5018