Sen. Hawley Criticizes Tyson Foods Over Labor Practices

Senator Josh Hawley from Missouri has reiterated his critiques of Tyson Foods, alleging that the food processing giant employs illegal immigrants and children while closing down plants in the U.S. and laying off American workers.

In a recent Senate hearing, Hawley questioned Andrew Rogers, who has been nominated by Donald Trump to oversee the Labor Bureau’s Wages and Hours Division. He inquired whether Rogers would maintain the ongoing investigation into Tyson Foods for potential violations of labor laws.

Rogers stated he couldn’t provide details about the investigation but did affirm he would look into claims regarding illegal and child labor.

Last month, Hawley sent a letter to the Department of Labor urging Lori Chavez DeRemer to probe whistleblower claims suggesting that Tyson Foods is hiring minors and undocumented workers, even as it closes U.S. facilities and lays off thousands of employees.

Hawley emphasized, “I have initiated an investigation within the subcommittee, and given your responsibility in enforcing federal labor laws, I strongly recommend that you comprehensively investigate these troubling allegations promptly.”

A whistleblower, who previously managed safety at a Tyson Foods plant, reported witnessing child laborers at the facility. They also mentioned receiving numerous accounts from hourly workers concerning minors employed at the factory, allegedly through third-party contractors working for Tyson.

After alerting higher-ups about the employment of minors, the whistleblower faced retaliation and a detrimental work environment, leading to several whistleblowers resigning due to the toxicity. Tyson is reportedly taking legal action against this individual following their exit from the company.

During this week’s hearing, Hawley noted that a Labor Bureau representative acknowledged his letter, confirming that the Wages and Hours Division is actively investigating Tyson Foods and its contractors regarding Fair Labor Standards Act violations.

This year, Tyson Foods has shut down eight meat-processing plants across Arkansas, Missouri, and Indiana, resulting in the loss of over 4,200 jobs.