New Contract for Tyson Workers in Georgia (4/21/10)

The 600 workers at the Tyson poultry processing plant in Buena Vista, Georgia, have ratified a new three-year contract. The new contract comes despite fierce attempts by management to severely undermine the union contract.

“Management wanted to basically destroy the union contract and dismantle the union,” said RWDSU Southeast Council Secretary-Treasurer Edgar Fields. “They wanted to get rid of seniority rights and take away the union’s bargaining power, and it was a hard fight, especially with a non-union Tyson plant with lower wages and benefits 60 miles away. But these workers stuck together, and the negotiating committee worked hard and we were able to secure a fair contract.”

Wages will increase over the life of the contract, and most importantly, the Tyson poultry workers will see their health care coverage maintained and protected.