Tyson resolves discrimination lawsuit

The agreement resolves complaints filed in federal court in August 2005 by the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and 13 African American workers who alleged there was race discrimination at the plant.

Their complaints included claims a maintenance shop restroom was locked and accessible to only a few white workers in July and August of 2003 and that a ‘whites only’ sign was briefly posted on the restroom door. Tyson officials contend they did not authorise, condone or see the posting of such a sign and noted the company does not tolerate discrimination in the workplace.

According to the settlement, Tyson denies violating any laws and has agreed to take additional steps to ensure the prevention of discrimination, harassment and retaliation in the Ashland plant.

Tyson will designate a corporate human resources executive to ensure all Ashland Team Members are trained on Tyson’s anti-discrimination policies and procedures and to handle the company’s response to any discrimination or harassment complaints. In addition, this executive will hold Ashland workers and managers responsible for complying with the company’s anti-discrimination policies and submit reports to the EEOC on the plant’s progress.

As part of the settlement, Tyson will also pay $871,000 collectively to the 13 plaintiffs.