Union calls for Maple Leaf shut-down at Brandon

The union is calling for temporary closure of the Maple Leaf Foods Inc. hog-slaughtering plant at Brandon, Man., after three more people tested positive for COVID-19.

That brings the total to four. All are now isolated at their homes.

"These cases among our Team Members corresponded with a recent increase in COVID-19 cases in the City of Brandon that has been widely reported in the media. …,” Maple Leaf said in a statement.

“After a careful and detailed review of the circumstances around the cases, it appears very likely that the Team Members contracted COVID-19 in the community." 

"We will continue to operate our Brandon plant as long as we believe we can provide an environment that will protect the safety of our people while working. 

"Given our daily health screening, temperature monitoring, social distancing and the personal protective equipment all team members wear while at work, we feel confident that our plant environment is safe.".