Tyson Foods, the largest poultry producer in the United States, has been accused of discriminatory employment practices by America First Legal, a nonprofit organization led by Stephen Miller and Matthew Whitaker. The complaints filed by AFL include alleged citizenship discrimination, racial discrimination, and violations of child labor laws. Tyson Foods has denied these allegations, stating that all 120,000 of its employees are legally authorized to work in the country and that the company is strongly opposed to illegal immigration. AFL has also sent a cease-and-desist letter to Tyson Foods’ CEO and board of directors, demanding compliance with federal employment, immigration, and securities laws.
In response to AFL’s complaints, Tyson Foods released a statement disputing the allegations and emphasizing its commitment to legal employment practices. The company stated that it participates in government programs such as E-Verify and the IMAGE program to combat unlawful employment. AFL’s general counsel, Gene Hamilton, defended the complaints, accusing Tyson Foods of bias against American citizens and favoring easily manipulable labor. AFL’s allegations include violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, discrimination against American citizens, and the use of child labor in slaughterhouses and meatpacking plants.
AFL has raised concerns about Tyson Foods’ hiring practices, citing a Bloomberg report that the company employs about 42,000 immigrants in the U.S., representing more than a third of its workforce. The organization has also criticized Tyson Foods’ involvement in the Tent Partnership for Refugees, a network that connects refugees with job opportunities. Tyson Foods committed to hiring 2,500 refugees in the U.S. over three years and mentoring refugee women and Hispanic refugees in various cities. AFL has emphasized the importance of companies prioritizing American citizens and complying with immigration and labor laws.
Tyson Foods’ website provides information about the company’s significant role in the production of beef, pork, and chicken in the U.S. under various brand names. The company’s sales for the 2022 fiscal year totaled $53 billion, with a significant portion attributed to beef and chicken sales. AFL continues to advocate for American citizens and consumer rights, urging companies like Tyson Foods to prioritize the interests of the country and its people. Newsweek has reached out to AFL and Tyson Foods for further comments on the matter.
