Brazilian workers’ union Sindaves has accused JBS of submitting workers to degrading work conditions in Sidrolândia, Mato Grosso do Sul state, according to reports from the local media and Reuters.
The workers’ union has filed a class action suit on behalf of at least 76 people who were employed as third-party chicken catchers for JBS’s Seara unit, working in shifts of up to 14 hours, according to a report by Reuters.
Sindaves said that 15 members of an indigenous community worked in conditions “analogous to slavery,” according to Brazil’s Globo Rural news website.
JBS/Seara said in a statement sent to Meatingplace on Monday that as soon as it became aware of the case, it immediately required the outsourcing company to comply with all labor rules, including providing accommodation for workers.
JBS said it maintains “strict protocols and controls in its operations to ensure that all its suppliers comply with their legal obligations and the well-being of their employees,” providing personal protective gear, safe working conditions, and adequate transportation.
JBS said it also conducts technical inspection visits to supervise the work of catchers and verify the compliance of service provider companies.
