Civil rights complaint alleges racist COVID-19 prevention practices at meat processing plants

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A nationwide coalition of labor advocates has filed a civil rights complaint with the US Department of Agriculture.

They allege that meat processors JBS and Tyson have engaged in racist practices when it comes to protecting workers from coronavirus.

"It's bad enough that yes, they are essential workers, but just because they're essential workers doesn't mean we need to sacrifice them because the company has more interest in getting their product out regardless of the conditions," said Eileen Figueroa with Forward Latino.

Forward Latino has signed onto the complaint. 

Thousands of cases have been linked to meat processing plants.

JBS and Tyson have not responded to the allegations.