U.S. District Judge Thomas O. Rice has advanced a class action lawsuit by workers at the Wallula, WA. plant. The Court denied, in part, the motion by Tyson to dismiss the suit relating to wage payments from 2016 through early 2023. At issue is the alleged failure by Tyson to provide compliant meal breaks, minimum wage, overtime and termination payments. The Court dismissed 
claims relating to rest-breaks on the basis of insufficient, specific, factual evidence. The Court also dismissed with prejudice claims relating to reimbursement of workers for gloves and boots. The class was allowed twenty days to file a second amended complaint relating to the aspects of the claims that were denied. The significance of this case relates to the eventual rulings that will become case law and will influence similar claims in subsequent cases in different jurisdictions.
In a separate issue, an ex-employee of the Tyson Foods, Ringgold, VA. plant filed a March 16th complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia. The Plaintiff, Alvin Clark, alleges race and age discrimination, retaliation and a hostile work environment. Clark worked as a maintenance mechanic at the plant from mid-July 2024 until March 2025. He alleges he was denied promotion based on race and age despite suitable qualifications. The lawsuit was filed in accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, Section 1981 of the Age Discrimination Employment Act and the Virginia Human Rights Act and the Virginia Workplace Retaliation and Safety Laws.
In a statement, the Company emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for racism, harassment or retaliation in the workplace and is committed to a respectful environment for team members. Tyson Foods “Categorically denies the allegations and will address them through the appropriate legal process”.