Smithfield Foods Workers Walk Off Job After Coworker’s Death
Dozens of workers at a Smithfield Foods meat-producing facility in Monmouth, Illinois, walked off the job after a coworker died and management reportedly ordered production to continue.

St. Louis, MO, September 15, 2026 —
Dozens of workers at the Smithfield Foods meat-producing facility located in Monmouth, Illinois, reportedly walked off the job following the death of a coworker. The incident occurred after management allegedly directed production to continue at the plant.
The exact number of workers who participated in the walkout was not immediately specified, though the summary indicates “dozens” were involved. The circumstances surrounding the coworker’s death and the precise timeline of events, including when management made the alleged directive to continue production, were not detailed in the provided information.
Details regarding the cause of the coworker’s death have not been released. Additionally, the specific response from Smithfield Foods management concerning the walkout or the allegations of continuing production immediately after the fatality is pending. The company’s official statement or actions in response to the event were not available in the summary.
The walkout highlights potential tensions or concerns among employees regarding workplace safety and response protocols in the event of a fatality at the facility. Further information regarding the incident, including any official statements from Smithfield Foods or employee representatives, is anticipated.
Story summarized from the original created by Elisabeth Ruggiero, Jordan Gartner on www.firstalert4.com, see more information here.