◇ Program summary
1. USDA says Boar’s Head faces legal scrutiny over deadly deli meat listeria outbreak
Boar’s Head, the deli meat company at the center of a deadly listeria food poisoning outbreak, is under scrutiny from law enforcement officials, the U.S. Department of Agriculture revealed in response to a government records request.
The AP requested records on the listeria outbreak, which has killed 10 people and sickened at least 50 others in 19 states since May, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Listeria was first detected in samples of boar head liver intestines and was later traced to the disease in humans. Previously released records show problems with mold, insects, dripping water and meat and fat residue on walls, floors and equipment dating back at least two years. Boar’s Head earlier recalled more than 7 million pounds of deli meats distributed to stores across the country. This month, the Sarasota, Florida-based company said it had closed its Virginia plant and permanently stopped making liverwurst.
Boar’s Head is facing multiple lawsuits from victims and their families. Justice Department officials declined to comment on potential legal action against Boar’s Head. This week, Senator Richard Blumenthal and Representative Rosa DeLauro called on the Department of Agriculture and Justice to “work closely” on whether to file charges against Boar’s Head. Criminal charges related to the crisis. In response, USDA’s internal investigators are reviewing the agency’s work and will decide by the end of the year whether to open an investigation.
Past outbreaks of food poisoning have resulted in criminal and civil penalties.
2. National Symphony Orchestra musicians reach new labor agreement with Kennedy Center, ending strike
National Symphony Orchestra musicians held signs that read “National Symphony Orchestra Strikes,” “United #UnionStrong” and “Kennedy Center Against the Performing Arts” during a brief strike in Washington, D.C., on September 27, 2024.
The Kennedy Center said in a statement late Friday that it had proposed a “competitive, 4-year growth contract” with the NSO, and that the musicians were “among the highest paid symphony orchestras in the country.” one”. The new 18-month contract is worth $1.8 million and will see salary increases of 4% in the first year and 4% in the second year. Negotiations will begin in early 2026. The new contract will bring the musicians’ base salary to $165,268 in the first year and $171,879 in the second year. “The musicians of the NSO will continue to maintain their status as one of the highest paid symphony orchestras in the United States.”
The Kennedy Center said Saturday’s opening night performances would be affected during the strike and promised ticket holders would receive full refunds. However, with the strike over, Saturday’s opening performance and all future performances will go ahead as scheduled.
In addition to the wage increase, the agreement includes expanded health care options, paid parental leave, updates to audition and tenure procedures and funding for another position. Negotiations began in May, with the musicians advocating, like other band members across the country, for higher wages to hedge against the effects of inflation. They note that the high cost of living in Washington, D.C., compared with musicians in major metropolitan areas, creates additional challenges for orchestras to attract and retain high-quality talent.
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