JBS Australia plant to close due to COVID-19
UPDATE: A Melbourne abattoir is understood to be closing for “an indefinite period” after a number of new COVID-19 cases were linked to the plant.
A KEY Victorian meat processing plant is set to shut its doors “indefinitely” following a fresh cluster of COVID-19 cases.
In a statement seen by The Weekly Times, JBS Australia’s Brooklyn plant has today started the process of shutting “for an indefinite period”.
It comes as 138 cases of coronavirus have been linked to the plant, with the first worker testing positive in July.
“The persistence of community transmission of COVID-19 in Victoria and the directives from DHHS have meant it is impossible to operate JBS Brooklyn in the current COVID environment,” the statement read.
Earlier this week, the JBS Australia Brooklyn plant moved to close sections of the plant after a number of employees in the beef and lamb processing areas tested positive for coronavirus.
It comes less than a month after the Brooklyn plant was ordered to shut down due to a wave of coronavirus cases connected to the plant.
Victorian Secretary of United Works Union Susie Allison said the second closure of the plant was putting a strain on employees.
“Cold storage workers have previously had to cease work to receive additional information and safety measures,” Ms Allison said.
“In addition, our members are concerned if they are forced to isolate again, they will be left without pay or have to dip into their entitlements, that have already taken a hit during the last shutdown.”
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