Poultry Workers Protest Workplace Conditions at GNP Company [VIDEO]

ST. CLOUD --  A worker protest was held outside the GNP Company headquarters in St. Cloud this (Thursday) morning.

Around 50 people gathered to support poultry workers who voiced their concerns over workplace safety, line speed, bathroom breaks and religious discrimination.

Stephen Philion is a sociology professor at St. Cloud State University and co-chair of the greater Minnesota Worker Center. He says according to a recent survey area employees feel they are treated with disrespect.

"Over 50 workers responded to our survey saying they see very serious health and safety violations and religions discrimination," says Philion.

Workers described how GNP Company does not provide for a safe workplace, intimidation tactics to prevent employees from airing concerns and denial of prayer breaks.

"When they talk to managers they feel intimidated, their told not to talk about the problems, their also told not to take their injuries to the doctor or the company nurse," says Philion.

The organizers of the protest delivered the results of a worker survey to GNP officials and a letter requesting a meeting to discuss the issues.

GNP officials issued a statement stating safety is a top concern and they take all allegations against the company seriously.

The statement also said company officials cannot comment on the survey until they've had a chance to review it.