In 2020, Inghams workers from multiple unions united nationally to fight for COVID-19 protections as the virus spread through meat processing sites. Their coordinated campaign won special paid isolation leave, protecting workers’ health and pay when they needed to isolate.
In 2020, Inghams poultry workers united across Australia to demand special COVID-19 paid leave amid rising health risks for frontline food industry employees. Members of both our union, United Workers Union, and the Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union took coordinated action, recording video statements and signing a large petition to highlight their concerns. As COVID-19 cases appeared in similar high-risk settings, such as Pacific Meats and JBS, Inghams workers amplified their demand for protective leave. Their campaign succeeded, and Inghams agreed to provide special paid leave for workers who needed to be isolated, a crucial win that allowed them to safeguard their health without financial penalty. This action demonstrated the power of a united workforce across states, showing how coordinated efforts can compel large employers to prioritise safety for essential workers.