Olymel decides to resume production at pork plant

Olymel will reopen its hog slaughter and cutting plant in Yamachiche, Quebec, after being temporarily taken offline due to COVID-19 concerns.

Roy Graber Headshot
(Alik Mulikov | Bigstock)
(Alik Mulikov | Bigstock)

Olymel will reopen its hog slaughter and cutting plant in Yamachiche, Quebec, after being temporarily taken offline due to COVID-19 concerns.

The company announced on April 11 its decision to resume operations, which were suspended on March 29 after nine workers tested positive for COVID-19. Production is set to resume on April 14.

In a press release, Olymel said during the period when production ceased, it implemented “all the public health recommendations of the public health department of the Mauricie and Centre-du-Quebec Integrated University Health and Social Services Centre,” as well as a new protocol to protect workers’ health and fight the spread of the virus.

The new protocol

Olymel, in its release, said the protocol requires that a distance of two meters must be respected between two working stations. Separating panels will be in use, and workers will be expected to wear masks and protective vixsors. There will also be increased monitoring of activities, and disinfection measures will be “rigorously enforced.”

Return of employees

Employees who have been in isolation since March 29 are being recalled according to a list approved by public health authorities. They must not exhibit any symptoms related to COVID-19, the company stated.

The first group employees to arrive at the plant when it reopens will be instructed about the new protocol. A station has been set up at the plant entrance where everyone will answer a questionnaire. The company has also recruited an occupational medicine specialist, Dr. Serge Duboc, and an occupational hygiene technician to supervise the employees’ return to work.

Olymel will continue the bonus program the company announced on March 23 for all employees who are paid hourly wages until further notice.

Olymel is the meat division of Sollio Cooperative Group, formerly known as La Coop fédérée. According to  the Poultry International Top Companies rankings, Sollio Cooperative Group is the 20th largest broiler company in North America. It is also involved in turkey production.

View our continuing coverage of the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic.

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