In this week’s episode of OpenAgenda.WTF, Tracey and Lynne unpack two major stories affecting Colorado and the nation: the ongoing lockout at the Cargill beef processing plant in Fort Morgan, and new developments from Make America Healthy Again (MAHA), including RFK Jr.’s call to action on the Railway Safety Act.
Cargill’s Worker Lockout and AI Monitoring Concerns
The Cargill beef plant in Fort Morgan has shut out more than 1,700 workers, leaving families uncertain about income and the city facing major utility revenue losses. According to local reporting, the plant has been idle for nearly a month as labor negotiations stall between Cargill and Teamsters Local 455.
What’s raising eyebrows even more is Cargill’s recent implementation of AI surveillance technology called CarVe, which uses overhead cameras to monitor worker speed, knife sharpness, and even “emotional behavior.” Critics argue this crosses a line into invasive workplace surveillance.
MAHA and the Railway Safety Act
Lynne highlights MAHA’s ongoing work, including RFK Jr.’s push for Congress to support the Railway Safety Act. This legislation aims to prevent disasters like the East Palestine derailment, which released toxic vinyl chloride and left residents with long-term health concerns.
The Act includes:
- Mandatory defect detectors
- Requirements for trains to stop under hazardous conditions
- Penalties for safety violations
- Reviews of excessively long trains and blocked crossings
Screen Time Legislation and National Fraud Concerns
MAHA is also celebrating Iowa’s new bill limiting children’s screen time — a move aimed at improving youth mental and physical health. Meanwhile, fraud reports nationwide continue to rise, adding to the stress many Americans feel.
Looking Ahead to Colorado’s Primaries
With Colorado’s primaries approaching at the end of June, Tracey and Lynne will be diving deeper into candidate positions on AI, surveillance, health, safety, and more. Weekly episodes (and possibly more frequent updates) are coming as election season heats up.
