20 AUGUST 2019
ICSA sheep chair Sean McNamara has urged factories not to discriminate against farmers who took part in recent factory protests. “It has come to our attention that many farmers feel they are being treated less favourably by several meat processors as a direct result of their having participated in the protests. Some are even being turned away,” he said.
“It must be remembered that farmers had no choice but to take to those factory gates in order to be heard and get the opportunity to affect badly needed change. Matters had reached a tipping point and all those who took their grievances to the factory gates must be commended and talks are now on-going. Punishing farmers who engaged in peaceful protest is this way is unacceptable. Factories engaging in this type of retribution tactics is akin to kicking a man when he’s down.”
“It is simply an underhanded tactic to deter farmers from returning to the factory gates should the need arise.”
ENDS