The U.S. Department of Agriculture wants to allow pork and poultry plants to speed up the pace of work. The agency says existing speed limits are outdated.

Some plants have waivers that allow them to exceed those rules. Industry groups have praised the move to loosen requirements across the board. But labor representatives say a faster pace puts greater strain on workers’ health and safety.

Rena Wong is president of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, Local 663. It represents several meatpacking plants in the state of Minnesota. Wong spoke to MPR News host Nina Moini about her concerns about faster speeds in the plants.