Tyson Foods is on a mission to recruit 42,000 migrants for jobs in the United States, a recent report reveals. This news comes shortly after the company announced the layoff of 1,200 workers due to the closure of an Iowa facility last week, with hints at more shutdowns on the horizon.
Bloomberg highlighted last week that companies like Tyson Foods Inc. are in dire need of workers for less desirable positions, given the low unemployment rate in the U.S. of 3.9%. Migrants represent a promising solution for this labor shortage.
The company has partnered with the Tent Partnership for Refugees. This nonprofit organization guides companies on integrating refugees into their workforce and creating effective refugee hiring programs.
Tyson has ambitious plans to double its migrant workforce. Garrett Dolan, an associate director of human resources at Tyson Foods, expressed the company’s eagerness to hire an additional 42,000 migrants, if possible.
Bloomberg notes that asylum seekers can often work in the U.S. 180 days after applying for legal status, despite potentially waiting years for their first immigration hearing due to court backlogs. During this waiting period, they are permitted to work.
Dolan mentioned that a significant number of their new hires are expected to be refugees and immigrants. The company is strategically planning to accommodate this influx.
He also praised the migrants’ loyalty, noting their desire for stability and a sense of belonging after being uprooted from their homes.
Last Monday, Tyson Foods announced the permanent shutdown of its pork processing plant in Perry, Iowa, set for July, resulting in the loss of 1,200 jobs. Fox Business reported that Tyson plans to close additional plants in Arkansas, Virginia, Indiana, and Missouri in the upcoming months.
Following the Bloomberg report, many Americans called for a boycott against Tyson Foods for hiring migrants. However, Tyson Foods has countered these claims, stating its opposition to illegal immigration and highlighting its participation in government programs like E-Verify and the IMAGE program to prevent unlawful employment.
John Tyson, the founder’s grandson, and his family boast a net worth of approximately $2.6 billion, according to Forbes. Tyson Foods is a significant player in the U.S. food industry, producing about 20% of the country’s beef, pork, and chicken. The conglomerate owns well-known brands such as Jimmy Dean, Hillshire Farm, BallPark, Wright, Aidell’s, and State Fair.