Religious Leaders Applaud DOL Settlement
Poultry Workers to Get Millions in Backpay from Perdue Farms, Inc.

Chicago – The Interfaith Worker Justice (IWJ) applauds the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) for the settlement that recovers millions of dollars in back wages from poultry companies.

The DOL’s settlement with Perdue Farms, Inc., estimated at over $10 million, will go to 25,000 Perdue poultry workers. In addition, Perdue agreed to change its current and future pay practices regarding “donning and doffing” work clothing and protective gear. The DOL also filed a lawsuit against Tyson Foods, Inc., seeking back wages and a similar change in pay practices involving “donning and doffing.”

“Workers deserve the money. They did the work and they should be paid for it. This settlement marks a mammoth turning point in the way neglected workers are treated. For too long, industry interests have prevailed over the well-being of those who labor to produce the food we eat,” said National Interfaith Committee Executive Director Kim Bobo. “We applaud the Department of Labor and hope that this settlement will be a significant milestone that encourages other companies to do the same.”

A 2000 DOL study found that 100 percent of the poultry plants in the survey failed to pay workers for all hours worked, and 35 percent of poultry workers had illegal deductions taken from their paychecks. IWJ hopes that the DOL will continue to ensure future compliance by the poultry industry with follow-up investigations, and that settlements similar to that of Perdue’s are also reached very soon with other poultry companies which were found in violation of wage and hour laws.

The National Interfaith Committee and its 50 affiliates nationwide, educates, organizes, and mobilizes the religious community on issues and campaigns that will improve wages, benefits, and working conditions for workers, especially low-wage workers.