PASCO, Wash., June 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The decision by workers to
remove the union at Tyson's (NYSE: TSN) Pasco beef complex has been certified
by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the company reported today. The
certification ends the Teamsters' 28-year affiliation with the plant, allowing
the facility to operate union-free.
A majority of the workers who voted in a February election decided they no
longer wanted Teamsters Local 556 to represent the plant's 1,500 hourly
production and maintenance workers. The NLRB certified the vote late last
week, after union objections were withdrawn. The company learned of the
NLRB's action today.
"We're pleased our Team Members' vote to go without union representation
has been certified by the NLRB," said Ray McGaugh, manager of the Tyson Fresh
Meats plant. "We intend to work hard to maintain their trust and respect as
we go forward as a non-union operation."
Since the last labor contract at Pasco expired in May 2004 and a new
contract with the Teamsters was never reached, hourly production and
maintenance workers have not had a pay increase for two years. Tyson
officials are now finalizing plans for a pay increase and additional benefits.
Details will be shared with workers later this month and the improvements will
be implemented on July 3, 2005.
Including management, the Pasco plant employs more than 1,600 people and
produces fresh vacuum-packed, boxed beef for sale to wholesalers, retailers,
hotels, restaurants and institutions.
Approximately 30% of Tyson's production plants across the country are
represented by unions, while the rest are "union-free."
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.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this communication are "forward-looking
statements" such as statements relating to the anticipated improvements in
wages and benefits. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks,
uncertainties and other factors, which could cause actual results to differ
materially from historical experience or from future results expressed or
implied by such forward-looking statements. Among the factors that may cause
actual results and experiences to differ from the anticipated results and
expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are the following:
(i) fluctuations in the cost and availability of raw materials, such as live
cattle, live swine or feed grains; (ii) market conditions for finished
products, including the supply and pricing of alternative proteins, and the
demand for alternative proteins; (iii) risks associated with effectively
evaluating derivatives and hedging activities; (iv) access to foreign markets
together with foreign economic conditions, including currency fluctuations and
import/export restrictions; (v) outbreak of a livestock disease which could
have an effect on livestock owned by the Company, the availability of
livestock for purchase by the Company, or the Company's ability to access
certain markets; (vi) successful rationalization of existing facilities, and
the operating efficiencies of the facilities; (vii) changes in the
availability and relative costs of labor and contract growers; (viii) issues
related to food safety, including costs resulting from product recalls,
regulatory compliance and any related claims or litigation; (ix) adverse
results from litigation; (x) risks associated with leverage, including cost
increases due to rising interest rates or changes in debt ratings or outlook;
(xi) changes in regulations and laws (both domestic and foreign), including
changes in accounting standards, environmental laws and occupational, health
and safety laws; (xii) the ability of the Company to make effective
acquisitions, and successfully integrate newly acquired businesses into
existing operations; (xiii) effectiveness of advertising and marketing
programs; and (xiv) the effect of, or changes in, general economic conditions.
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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