Worker Suit Vs. Tyson Now Class Action
AP ^ | 10/12/6 | BILL POOVEY
A federal judge granted class action status to a lawsuit that contends Tyson Foods Inc., the world's largest meat producer, depressed wages by hiring illegal immigrants at eight plants in Tennessee, Alabama, Indiana, Missouri, Texas and Virginia.
Howard W. Foster of Chicago, an attorney for Tyson employees, described the ruling as a "very big step," allowing him to seek damages for thousands of workers at the eight plants instead of just the four original plaintiffs.
Roger Dickson of Chattanooga, an attorney for the Springdale, Ark., based company, said he had not had a chance to read the judge's order and declined further comment.
"This is a procedural ruling and not based on the merits of this case, which was actually dismissed by another judge back in 2002," Tyson spokesman Gary Mickelson said in an e-mail statement. "We remain confident our company will ultimately prevail."
U.S. District Judge Curtis L. Collier's order issued Tuesday also scheduled a Jan. 29 conference with attorneys where it is expected he will set a trial date.
A federal jury in March 2003 acquitted the company and three former managers of conspiring to hire illegal immigrants from Mexico and Central America for low-wage production jobs to boost profits. Two former Tyson managers who made plea deals were each sentenced to one year of probation.
The acquittal dealt a setback to the government's strategy of enforcing immigration laws by going after big business.
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
AP ^ | 10/12/6 | BILL POOVEY
A federal judge granted class action status to a lawsuit that contends Tyson Foods Inc., the world's largest meat producer, depressed wages by hiring illegal immigrants at eight plants in Tennessee, Alabama, Indiana, Missouri, Texas and Virginia.
Howard W. Foster of Chicago, an attorney for Tyson employees, described the ruling as a "very big step," allowing him to seek damages for thousands of workers at the eight plants instead of just the four original plaintiffs.
Roger Dickson of Chattanooga, an attorney for the Springdale, Ark., based company, said he had not had a chance to read the judge's order and declined further comment.
"This is a procedural ruling and not based on the merits of this case, which was actually dismissed by another judge back in 2002," Tyson spokesman Gary Mickelson said in an e-mail statement. "We remain confident our company will ultimately prevail."
U.S. District Judge Curtis L. Collier's order issued Tuesday also scheduled a Jan. 29 conference with attorneys where it is expected he will set a trial date.
A federal jury in March 2003 acquitted the company and three former managers of conspiring to hire illegal immigrants from Mexico and Central America for low-wage production jobs to boost profits. Two former Tyson managers who made plea deals were each sentenced to one year of probation.
The acquittal dealt a setback to the government's strategy of enforcing immigration laws by going after big business.
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...