SPRINGDALE, Ark., Jan. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In an effort to ensure
workers understand their rights in the workplace, Tyson Foods (NYSE: TSN) has
developed a new "Team Member Bill of Rights," company officials reported
today. The document, which has been in development for several months, will
be posted in all Tyson facilities throughout the country.
"This 'bill' reinforces the practices we've long supported and
communicated at our plants," said John Tyson, chairman and CEO of Tyson Foods.
"Our Team Members are the company's most valuable resource and we want to make
sure they understand their rights, benefits and responsibilities."
The document, which will be translated into multiple languages, covers
such areas as:
* The right to a safe workplace.
* The right to be free from discrimination and retaliation.
* The right to be compensated for work performed.
* The right to understand information provided.
* The right to choose whether they want to join together for collective
bargaining.
* The right to continuing training.
The "bill," signed by John Tyson, underscores the company's core values
and "commitment that all Team Members are treated with dignity and respect."
It also highlights the "Tell Tyson First Program," which encourages workers
who believe they are being unfairly treated to contact the corporate human
resources department by calling a toll free number. A copy of the document is
included in this release.
Such a bill of rights is not new to many Tyson plants. The company's beef
and pork facilities posted a similar document several years ago, which was
patterned after the Meatpacking Industry Worker Bill of Rights developed in
2000 for Nebraska meatpacking plants by former Nebraska Governor and current
United States Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns.
Team Member Treatment and Support
In addition to the Bill of Rights, Tyson has other programs aimed at
ensuring Team Members are treated fairly. They include management training
programs focused on dignity and respect, leadership, problem solving and team
building, as well as ethics and the company's Core Values. The company also
trains managers on Tyson's Code of Conduct, as well as the prevention of
harassment and discrimination in the workplace.
Last Year, Tyson Foods initiated a partnership with the U.S. Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) designed to informally resolve
workplace conflicts through the use of EEOC mediation. Tyson is one of more
than 60 companies to sign such a cooperative agreement with the Commission.
In an effort to foster good communications, the company provides
interpreters for its non-English speaking Team Members. These efforts also
include an interpreter training program. English as a Second Language (ESL)
classes are also provided either on site or are available through local
schools. The company magazine, Tyson Update, is published in English and
Spanish and is mailed to every Team Member's home.
More than 100 part-time chaplains are employed at many of the company's
plants, providing a ministry of pastoral care and counseling. They provide
support to team members during times of illness, hospitalization, personal or
family crisis, stress, grief, births, deaths and weddings.
Tyson offers a tuition reimbursement program to full-time Team Members who
want to expand their knowledge through an accredited college or technical
school. This program also reimburses Team Member expenses for Graduate
Equivalency Degree, ESL and U.S. citizenship classes.
Workplace Safety
Tyson Foods is committed to providing a safe working environment for all
team members. The company invests million dollars annually in its workplace
safety and ergonomics efforts. Tyson also develops, manufactures and installs
automated and robotic equipment designed to make certain jobs easier.
Most Tyson plants have a full-time safety manager, as well as occupational
nurses. The company also maintains a corporate health and safety department.
New Team Members go through orientation and training programs that place heavy
emphasis on workplace safety. This includes demonstrations on the proper use
of personal protective equipment. Tyson facilities typically have safety-
related committees made up of management and hourly Team Members. This
usually includes committees on general safety, ergonomics, hazardous materials
and fire protection.
Protecting the safety of the company's production workers, as well as
product quality, are key factors in determining the number of people needed to
accommodate plant production rates.
Tyson Foods has had vigorous ergonomics programs in place since the 1980s.
They are designed to find new ways to adapt tools and work methods in order to
reduce stressors on the job. The company has invested millions of dollars in
ergonomics. Many jobs have been made safer and easier because of equipment or
layout modifications, which have resulted from these ergonomic programs.
Tyson Foods, Inc., founded in 1935 with headquarters in Springdale,
Arkansas, is the world's largest processor and marketer of chicken, beef, and
pork and the second-largest food company in the Fortune 500. The company
produces a wide variety of protein-based and prepared food products, which are
marketed under the "Powered by Tyson(TM)" strategy. Tyson is the recognized
market leader in the retail and foodservice markets it serves, providing
products and service to customers throughout the United States and more than
80 countries. Tyson has approximately 114,000 Team Members employed at more
than 300 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world.
Tyson Foods, Inc.
Team Members' Bill of Rights
Preamble
Team Members of Tyson Foods enjoy many rights, benefits and
responsibilities as members of the Tyson Foods Team. This document outlines
information about many of those rights and responsibilities. These rights,
benefits and responsibilities correspond with or are in addition to all other
rights provided by state or federal law. Tyson reserves the right to amend
these at any time and will communicate these changes to Team Members. This
document is not a contract of employment.
1. The Right to a Safe Workplace
Team Members within Tyson Foods are entitled to a safe workplace. Tyson
Foods is committed to work with all appropriate governmental agencies to
accomplish this goal. Team Members must be committed to accomplish this goal
as well and must perform work tasks by following all safety procedures for
which training has been provided. In this regard, Tyson commits to the
following actions:
* Maintain Team Member safety committees to meet on a regular basis to
examine safety practices and implement the best safety practices for
all Team Members in accordance with federal/state laws. Safety
committees will include both Salaried and Hourly Team Members. All
Team Members are encouraged to refer at-risk behaviors to supervisors,
at anytime, to support a safe working environment.
* Team Members shall have the right to file complaints with the plant
safety committee without fear of reprisal in order to make the safety
committee aware of safety concerns. The committee shall act promptly
to assist the company in addressing safety and health hazards by
making recommendations regarding corrective measures and notifying
Team Members of the action taken. Team Members have the right to
refer safety concerns to the appropriate state and/or federal agencies
without fear of reprisal.
2. The Right to Existing State and Federal Benefits
Team Members have a right to understand their rights and responsibilities
under all state and federal employment laws. Tyson Foods shall provide Team
Members information to educate the Team Members of any of their rights and
duties under these laws.
3. Right to be Free from Discrimination and Retaliation
Everyone has the right to respect and dignity, and to protection against
discrimination and retaliation. This includes the right to equal employment
opportunity without regard to race, color, age, veteran status, religion, sex,
national origin, sexual orientation or disability. Team Members should treat
their fellow workers with dignity and respect. Existing protections against
retaliation, harassment, discrimination and intimidation will be enforced.
4. Right to Compensation for Work Performed
Every Team Member has the right to expect payment of wages owed for work
performed by the Team Member. Tyson Foods shall pay all wages due to its Team
Members. Team Members have the right to contact the federal and state
departments of labor for assistance in determining their rights under laws.
5. The Right to Information
Most information regarding Team Members' right and responsibilities is
posted in common areas. In addition, each Team Member shall be entitled to
receive, upon request, the following:
* A copy of Tyson Foods' Team Member Bill of Rights
* A copy of Tyson Foods' job bidding and posting policies
* A copy of Tyson Foods' Leave of Absence policy
* A copy of Tyson Foods' Code of Conduct
* A copy of Tyson Foods' Rules of Conduct
* A copy of Tyson Foods' Core Values
* A copy of Tyson Foods' Harassment and Discrimination Policy
* A copy of Tyson Foods' Drug and Alcohol policy
6. The Right to Understand Information Provided
Team Members are entitled to understand their rights and responsibilities
as Tyson Team Members. Team Members should contact their HR department or
plant management with any questions, including any problems understanding
these rights.
7. The Right of Choice
Team Members have the right to choose whether they want to join together
for collective bargaining purposes.
8. Right to Continuing Training Including Supervisor Training
Tyson Foods shall provide on-going training opportunities to Team Members
for enhanced skill development and business changes.
9. The Right to Adequate Equipment
Each Team Member shall be entitled to use equipment that is adequate to
perform the job task assigned. If it is believed that adequate equipment has
not been provided, this may be reported to your supervisor or to the safety
committee for review.
10. The Right to Adequate Facilities and the Opportunity to Utilize Them
Tyson Foods agrees to provide its Team Members the following:
* Clean and working restroom facilities
* Adequate room for meal and rest breaks
* Reasonable time for necessary restroom breaks during shift production
time.
11. The Right to Tell Tyson First
Tyson Foods is committed to protecting the rights of Team Members through-
out our organization. Tyson's Human Resources Department offers various
avenues to help Team Members resolve areas of dispute. Should Team Members
have any issues, we encourage them to contact their corporate Human Resource
Director through the Tell Tyson First Program. Moreover, if any Team Member
feels that they are being treated unfairly with respect to any employment
matter, they can Tell Tyson First by calling 1-888-301-7304.
12. Tyson Foods Core Values
Tyson's Core Values ensure our commitment that all Team Members are
treated with dignity and respect. As a part of our shared Core Values and
collective rights, all Team Members are expected to act responsibly in the
workplace. Such areas of responsibility include treating all other Team
Members with dignity and respect, abiding by the Code of Conduct, following
all rules and policies, reporting policy violations, and working safely and
ethically at all times.
John Tyson
Chairman & CEO
SOURCE Tyson Foods, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.tyson.com
CONTACT:
Gary Mickelson of Tyson Foods, Inc.,
+1-479-290-6111
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