Postville, Iowa: Non-skilled labor contractor pulls workers out of AgriProcessors meatpacking plant

Labor Ready, one of America’s largest providers of temporary employment in the unskilled and construction fields pulled about 150 workers out of Agriprocessors meatpacking plant for supposedly safety concerns. We say supposedly because Labor Ready has a history of being accused of and taken to court for mistreatment and deceptive practices by employees and labor unions.

In March and April, the Iowa Division of Labor Services agreed to reduce fines against the plant for 39 violations of workplace safety rules based on inspections that took place in October 2007 and February 2008. Many of the alleged violations related to hazardous chemicals, blood-borne pathogens and what the state called “serious health violations.” According to government records, Agriprocessors Inc. has a history of noncompliance with state and federal regulations related to food safety, pollution and workplace safety at its Postville facility.

So apparently Labor Ready didn’t know they were providing workers into an unsafe facility prior to the ICE raid (if they were providing workers prior to Monday, May 12) and/or they had no knowledge of the prior safety concerns and inspections of the Iowa Division of Labor prior to placing their personnel into the plant sometime after May 12? (Wink-Wink!) So when did they know it and how much did they know? We just don’t buy it! It looks like they are trying to make a “fast exit” while they can…..DesMoines Register story

Farmers Branch, TX: Ruling Clears the Way for New City Ordinance making it difficult for illegal aliens to reside and work in the city

(Washington DC) A pair of orders issued this week by U.S. District Judge Sam Lindsay, have cleared the way for the city of Farmers Branch, Texas to implement a redrafted ordinance, says the Immigration Reform Law Institute (IRLI). The new ordinance adopts key elements of model legislation drafted by IRLI.

The substitute, Ordinance 2952, was adopted by the Farmers Branch City Council last January. It provides a means to carry out the will of the voters who approved Ordinance 2903, while ensuring that the city does not infringe upon the federal government’s authority over immigration policy. IRLI is a recognized expert in drafting these sorts of local policies and has successfully worked with state and local governments to implement laws that allow them to become successful partners with the federal government in enforcement of immigration policies.

“The objective of Farmers Branch is to institute policies that make it difficult for illegal aliens to reside and work in the city,” stated Michael Hethmon, general counsel for IRLI. “The citizens have repeatedly stated at the polls that they want effective local policies to deter illegal immigration. Farmers Branch should not have to shoulder this federal burden, but they have admirably done their civic duty. Cities across the nation can now benefit from the work reflected in the new ordinance.”….story