Workers in plants run by the largest US poultry producers are regularly being denied bathroom breaks and as a result some are reduced to wearing diapers while working on the processing line, Oxfam America has reported.

A battle for control of a key meat processor is unfolding in the US and it has features that should be analysed by those engaged in meat production closer to home.

Another quiet day, another quiet record on Wall Street.

Wall Street withstood a spate of profit-taking today, with stocks suffering only modest losses as investors locked in gains from last week’s rally.

ILLEGAL immigrants and their allies gathered across America yesterday for marches, prayers and demonstrations on a national day of economic protest, boycotting work, school and shopping to show their importance to the country.

Stocks finished higher on Wall Street today as investors picked up bargains in an abbreviated post-Christmas session.