News Corona crisis
COV: 'Allegations hurtful and unfounded'
The Central Organization for the Meat Sector (COV) is 'very disappointed' in the unions. In a letter, FNV accuses the Dutch slaughterhouses and meat processors of not complying with the RIVM guidelines. 'Hurrtful, unfounded and inappropriate', according to COV.
In a letter to the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, FNV Overheid, CNV Overheid, Ambtenarencentrum and CMHF state that it is time to intervene strongly in the meat sector. According to them, the working situation in slaughterhouses and meat processing companies is 'unsafe' in view of corona. The 1,5-meter rule would not be complied with and the NVWA inspectors would also not work according to the RIVM guidelines.
The letter prompted PvdD members Van Esch and Ouwehand to submit a motion to force slaughterhouses and processors to comply with the rules. Despite the cabinet's advice being 'disadvised', the motion was passed with 86 votes.
Disappointed
The Central Organization for the Meat Sector (COV) says it is very disappointed by the actions of the FNV. They call the call from the unions 'hurtful, unfounded and inappropriate'. COV argues that the facts are being distorted and that the unions are using this situation to seek the attention of the media 'in a cheap way' to question the position of migrant workers.
In the letter, the unions also look back on the Q fever crisis. This lists the NVWA inspectors as responsible for spreading the disease. The risk that such a spread will now occur in the slaughterhouses is great, according to the FNV.
public transport model protocol
According to COV, the meat sector has been working with a COV model protocol since March, aligned with RIVM and government guidelines. The protocol contains concrete agreements to prevent the introduction and possible spread within the companies. Moreover, many companies work with supervisors who ensure that the rules are actually complied with.
The protocol also takes into account compliance with the 1,5 meters away. Where this is not possible, baffles are installed and personal protective equipment is used, for example.
Jorine Cosse
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