Easley wants money to determine poultry workers' injuries
The Associated Press
CHARLOTTE, N.C. --
A top aide says Gov. Mike Easley will ask lawmakers next week for money to help determine how often poultry workers are hurt on the job.
The Charlotte Observer reported Thursday that gubernatorial policy director Alan Hirsch says Easley wants more money for the Public Health Division to hire additional workers to regularly visit poultry plants.
Hirsch says conditions should improve with more public attention.
Easley's proposals come after a series of Observer stories about working conditions in the poultry industry. Some workers have said they were ignored, threatened or fired when they were hurt on the job.
Easley plans to ask for $350,000 to hire two occupational health nurses and two industrial hygienists to visit poultry plants. He also wants more money for the Labor Department so it can fill vacant inspector positions.
Information from: The Charlotte Observer, http://www.charlotte.com
