JBS Offers $100 to Employees Who Get COVID-19 Vaccine

The JBS plant in Greeley, Co.
The JBS plant in Greeley, Co.
(JBS)

CHICAGO, Jan 21 (Reuters) - Meatpacker JBS USA and chicken company Pilgrim's Pride Corp said on Thursday they will pay $100 to U.S. employees who voluntarily receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

The bonus is intended to encourage employees to get inoculations, after thousands of U.S. meatpacking workers became infected with the coronavirus last year. Outbreaks of the disease temporarily shut slaughterhouses in the spring, pushing up meat prices and tightening supplies for consumers.

JBS USA and Pilgrim's Pride said internal surveys showed 60% to 90% of employees at individual facilities were willing to be vaccinated. The companies have launched educational campaigns to promote the vaccine to their workforce, which includes immigrants from around the world.

According to federal guidance by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, food and agricultural workers are scheduled to receive the vaccine in a later phase, after healthcare workers and people over the age of 75.

"We recognize that some team members in our diverse workforce may have concerns or be less inclined to get vaccinated," said Chris Gaddis, JBS USA's head of human resources.

JBS USA processes beef and pork and is the U.S. arm of Brazilian meatpacker JBS SA, which mostly owns Pilgrim's Pride.

The companies are working with state and local health departments and healthcare providers to determine the best way to deliver the vaccine at each plant location, according to a statement.

Rival meatpacker Tyson Foods Inc said on Thursday it will offer vaccines on site at its facilities while employees are on the job.

(Reporting by Tom Polansek Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Rosalba O'Brien)

 

Latest News

AFIA Objects to EPA’s Draft Risk Evaluation of Formaldehyde
AFIA Objects to EPA’s Draft Risk Evaluation of Formaldehyde

The American Feed Industry Association says formaldehyde has been "safely used in the U.S. animal food industry for over 40 years via accurate automated equipment."

Power of Meat Reports Strong Meat Consumption, Evolving Consumer Trends
Power of Meat Reports Strong Meat Consumption, Evolving Consumer Trends

The Meat Institute and FMI-The Food Industry Association released the 19th annual Power of Meat report.

Cattle Imports from Mexico
Cattle Imports from Mexico

Mexico has become one of the major beef import sources for the U.S. as beef trade evolved from simply supplementing deficit beef production in Mexico to bilateral, product specific trade between the two countries.

Markets: Cash Cattle Markets Nearing Historic Highs
Markets: Cash Cattle Markets Nearing Historic Highs

All classes of cattle sold at higher prices for the week and most are at or near record highs. Supplies of all classes remain extremely tight.

International Genetic Solutions Debuts New Informational Resource
International Genetic Solutions Debuts New Informational Resource

International Genetic Solutions (IGS) recently unveiled a new information resource and video platform for important beef industry topics pertinent to producers’ bottom lines.

Sage_Grouse_Booming
Ranchers Urge BLM to Incorporate Latest Science in New Sage Grouse Plans

NCBA and PLC are requesting that BLM significantly extend the comment period deadlines while ranchers and other local stakeholders evaluate these lengthy proposals.