US poultry workers forced to wear diapers at work: Oxfam report

Workers constantly ignored or mocked by supervisors when they seek permission to use the toilet

Poultry workers in the US are being denied bathroom breaks and are being forced to wear diapers while at work.

These workers are constantly ignored or mocked by supervisors when they seek permission to use the toilet, according to an Oxfam America report. The report has named Tyson Foods Inc., Perdue Farms Inc., Pilgrim's Pride Corp., and Sanderson Farms Inc among those involved in such practices.



As a result of employers’ ‘negligence’, “employees restrict intake of liquids and fluids to dangerous degrees; they endure pain and discomfort while they worry about their health and job security”, the report states.

“The conditions are particularly difficult for women who are menstruating or pregnant”, the report added. “Some have made the uncomfortable decision to wear adult diapers to work to avoid having to ask to leave the line and risk being punished,” it continued.

When contacted for a response, all of the companies named in the report, except for Sanderson Farms, responded by denying the allegations. "We're concerned about these anonymous claims and while we currently have no evidence they're true, are checking to make sure our position on restroom breaks is being followed and our Team Members' needs are being met."



Perdue Farms said employees receive two 30-minute breaks during each eight-hour shift. Should the associate require more frequent breaks due to a health, or any other reason, they can visit the onsite Wellness Center for support services or talk with Human Resources to request an accommodation for their condition, the firm said.

After releasing its report, Oxfam America called on poultry companies to change their policies using the hashtag "#GiveThemABreak" on social media.

The hashtag soon began trending across social media, with many taking to Twitter to express their views.

This is result of unchecked corporate power & greed. Shame on @TysonFoods. #GiveThemABreak & Give Them a Voice! #1u https://t.co/wJTMVdeVEe

— Katie Unger 🔥 (@KUngernyc) May 12, 2016

https://twitter.com/IrisMise/status/730862042085646336

@TysonFoods Many of your workers say they can’t use the bathroom when they want. #GiveThemABreak! #notOK

— Mo L'Esperance (@Mo_the_Chef) May 12, 2016

https://twitter.com/rukkykf/status/730926882846298112

Reading through the #GiveThemABreak tweets, and wow. 😐 It's 2016 and things like that are happening in America! 😕

— Megan ★ Jameson (@megan_jameson) May 13, 2016

This article originally appeared on NBC News.