Tyson intends to improve conditions at its production facilities. 

“We believe sustainability is about continuous improvement and solutions that last, and this includes a healthier workplace,” said Noel White, chief operations officer at Tyson Foods. “We’ve always been committed to supporting our employees and have sound workplace practices in place, but also want to do better. That’s why we’re taking steps that include expanding training, improving workplace safety and compensation, increasing transparency and helping workers with life skills.”

Tyson Foods employs 114,000 people, including more than 95,000 who work in the company’s U.S. production facilities. This includes chicken, beef, pork and prepared foods operations. Highlights of Tyson Foods’ expanded workplace efforts include:

The company is collaborating with external organizations such as Oxfam America and the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW). The UFCW has 22 labor contracts with Tyson Foods, representing more than 24,000 workers.

“Tyson Foods’ commitment to worker safety and worker rights should not just be applauded – it should serve as a model for the rest of the industry,” said UFCW International President Marc Perrone. “Through our ongoing partnership with Tyson Foods, we have already made valuable progress. We look forward to these new and expanded initiatives and to continuing to work together to provide a better, safer workplace for the hard-working men and women at Tyson Foods.”

Tyson Foods has also been working with the Cisneros Center for New Americans on a program called Upward Academy. It was developed by the company and the non-profit agency two years ago and is designed to help immigrant workers with life skills through such things as English as a Second Language and General Educational Development (GED) classes.

“We appreciate the leadership Tyson Foods has shown by investing in its workforce through programs like this,” said Nicolas Perilla of the Cisneros Center. “It’s fundamentally good for business and the community by helping new Americans be successful and feel at home. More companies should replicate this program.”

Source: Tyson Foods