The proposed bill, known as the Meat and Poultry Workers and Contractors Protection Act, aims to enhance the safety and rights of workers in the meat and poultry processing industry in Nebraska. It recognizes the high injury rates and health risks associated with this occupation, particularly during disaster mitigation events such as pandemics or natural disasters. The bill mandates that covered industrial operators submit disaster mitigation plans to the Commissioner of Labor, which must include strategies for ensuring worker safety and health during such events. Additionally, it requires these operators to provide full compensation for injuries or illnesses incurred during these events and outlines severance pay for terminated workers.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a Workers and Contractors Task Force to oversee the implementation and effectiveness of the act, ensuring that workers are informed of their rights to collectively bargain and join unions. It imposes civil penalties for violations of the act and prohibits discrimination against workers who assert their rights. The task force will also engage with stakeholders across the state to gather input and report on the act's effectiveness, thereby promoting a safer and more equitable working environment for meat and poultry workers in Nebraska.