Tyson Foods to Pay Frontline Workers $50 Million in Bonuses

Tyson Foods said this week that it will pay about $50 million in year-end bonuses to frontline and hourly meatpacking workers starting this month, as companies compete to attract and retain employees. The one-time bonuses for 86,000 eligible Tyson employees will be based on tenure and range from $300 to $700.

U.S. meat processors have struggled to find enough workers this year due to the tight labor market and safety concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic.

About 59,000 workers were infected with the COVID-19 through January of this year at plants run by Tyson and competitors JBS USA, Cargill Inc., National Beef Packing Company and WH Group’s Smithfield Foods, according to a U.S. House of Representatives' subcommittee report.

The meatpacking industry was especially hard hit by the pandemic in part because its workers tend to be in close quarters for long hours.

Tyson said it has spent more than $500 million in wage increases and bonuses for frontline workers over the past year. The average total compensation for its hourly workers tops $24 an hour, counting wages and other benefits like medical insurance.

EDITOR’S TAKE:

A great decision at Tyson Foods. At a time when good employees are difficult to come by, keeping the ones you already have makes perfectly good sense. Besides, the working conditions are, while modern, still not the most desirable. In addition, this can help bring some needed holiday cheer to a large number of families.