It is interesting to note that most of the workers in the Chicago stockyards in 1906 were immigrants, just as today, and they had their rights trampled in much the same way many of the plants are accused of violating rights even today. Thus, the safety and human rights issues may have improved, but certainly not as much as one would think they would have. I believe many of the corporations are still mired in greed and corruption just as they were at the turn of the 20th century, and they will never change unless they are forced to change by the people and stricter laws. It is clear that reports and sanctions do not make a difference; they simply dispute them and continue to subjugate and mistreat their workers. They may think they have advanced from the time of Sinclair's powerful novel, but indeed they have not, which is a sad testament and legacy to the industry and its leading corporations. Another Nebraska study, by the Nebraska Appleseed Center for Law in the Public Interest uncovered similar results. They report that immigrant workers often do not know or understand their rights, and even if they do they are afraid to stand up for these rights in fear of losing their jobs (Editors). As Sinclair's book shows, many of the immigrants working in meatpacking plants also do not speak English as their native language, and so they may have trouble understanding instructions and operating machinery. Without accurate translators, this can translate into serious injuries for many workers - something the industry should be striving to change if they are going to continue to employ numerous immigrant workers. For...

The Editors note, "Anecdotal evidence [...] suggests a decrease in acute injuries in plants, but an increase in injuries caused by repetitive work motions. A common complaint among workers was the speed with which they have to prepare meat that is moved along automated production lines" (Editors). The companies "encourage" them to work as fast as they can, regardless of injury, and then often deny workers' compensation claims after injuries occur (Editors). The meatpacking companies continue to defend themselves, but studies indicate much more needs to be done to defend immigrant workers in their right to safety in the industry.
In conclusion, safety in the workplace, no matter what workplace it is, should be the paramount concern for all managers and leaders. That there are still these kinds of violations occurring in American businesses only points to the inability of the government to regulate business and industry, and the power greed and profit have over everything else in business.

References

Editors. "Meatpacking Safety Rules Miss Mark, Workers Still Face Risks, Study Says." Lincoln Star - Herald. 15 Nov. 2006. 1 Dec. 2007. http://www.starherald.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=17473175&BRD=484&PAG=461&dept_id=553250&rfi=8

Gonzalez, Cindy. Group Criticizes Packers: Meat Industry Officials Dismiss Human Rights Watch Report Recommendations. Omaha World - Herald. 26 Jan. 2005. 01.B.

Sinclair, Upton. The Jungle. New York: Doubleday, Page, 1906.