When Smithfield Foods opened its pork processing plant in Tar Heel, North Carolina, in 1992, workers in the rural area were thrilled to have jobs at what was billed as “the largest slaughterhouse in the world.” However, they soon left in droves because of the fast, unrelenting line speed and high rate of injury. Those who stayed wanted higher wages and safer working conditions, but every time they tried to form a union, the company quickly cracked down, firing union leaders, assaulting organizers, and setting minority groups against each other. Author and journalist Lynn Waltz (right) will discuss her new book, “Hog Wild: The Battle for Workers’ Rights at the World’s Largest Slaughterhouse,” next Tuesday at the Takoma Busboys and Poets; click here to RSVP. The book weaves a fascinating tale of the nearly two-decade struggle that eventually brought justice to the workers and accountability to the food giant. Appearing with Waltz will be Gene Bruskin, who directed the successful Justice@Smithfield Campaign for UFCW. Books will be available and a book-signing will follow the talk Comments are closed.
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