Chapter 7, "Cogs in the Great Machine"

1 What changes did IBP introduce to the meat packing industry? IBP (Iowa Beef Packing) introduced many changes to the meat packing industry. The meat packing industry at that time was a middle class job, well paid and was considered a decent job to have. It also took a lot of skill. IBP used assembly lines so that workers wouldn't have to be very skilled, thus cutting the wages by 50%. IBP also had its own meat grinder so it made even more money.

3 What were the links between IBP and organized crime? Butchers in New York boycotted and blocked IBP's boxed beef from sale. In order to solve this, the mob offered "help" for 5% commission on every 10 pounds of beef sold in New York. The mob bribed the butchers and IBP began shipping to New York. Later, the mob and IBP were convicted of bribery and had to pay a fine.

7 Where do meat packing companies go to recruit new employees? What is the “new industrial migrant?” The meat packing companies go to Mexico and Guatemala to recruit new employees. The migrants are payed a lot more than they are in their home country and usually eventually return home after they save up money. 1/4 of all workers in the meat packing industry are illegal immigrants. The companies also hire homeless from around the country.


This chapter wasn't much of a shocker. However, i did not know that the meat packing industry was ever a middle class job. It just seems impossible!