Protesters demand better working conditions at Franklin meatpacking plant

FRANKLIN, Wis. (CBS 58) -- People protested outside Strauss Brands meatpacking plant in Franklin Friday, Aug. 7, demanding better working conditions.

The Voces Essential Workers Rights Network is calling for reinstatement, just compensation, protections against COVID-19, and an end to what it calls racist employee practices.

In April, Voces filed a complaint with OSHA and the local health department regarding a lack of information and protection from coronavirus.

During this investigation by OSHA, Strauss fired 31 workers in July.

"They're being thrown out," said Christine Neumann-Ortiz, executive director of Voces de la Frontera. "So how do you think they've been feeding families during this pandemic, and now they have to worry about feeding their own family. That's not how essential workers should be treated. That's not how we say essential workers are heroes in this pandemic."

That investigation by OSHA is still active. 

We reached out to Strauss for comment, and have yet to hear back .