Court rules in favor of Tyson in worker compensation lawsuit

A Nebraska court ruled in favor of Tyson Foods Inc. in the company's ongoing legal fight over whether meat packing workers must be compensated for time spent putting on and taking off safety gear and preparing for work, according to reports. An Omaha, Neb., U.S. District Court jury ruled that Tyson has not been underpaying workers at its Lexington, Neb., plant, although lawsuits are still pending against Tyson at its Dakota City, Neb., and Madison, Neb., plants.

A Nebraska court ruled in favor of Tyson Foods Inc. in the company's ongoing legal fight over whether meat packing workers must be compensated for time spent putting on and taking off safety gear and preparing for work, according to reports.

An Omaha, Neb., U.S. District Court jury ruled that Tyson has not been underpaying workers at its Lexington, Neb., plant, although lawsuits are still pending against Tyson at its Dakota City, Neb., and Madison, Neb., plants.

The workers said Tyson should pay them for the time it takes to put on uniforms and safety gear, sanitize equipment and perform other duties. The workers claim they are only paid for the time on the assembly line, plus four minutes for all pre- and post-production chores, which they say take about 30 minutes daily. 

Tyson spokesman Gary Mickelson said that the company appreciates the verdict, and it strives to comply with labor laws and believes the company's workers are compensated appropriately.

"This case is yet another example of an ongoing, nationwide legal debate over what types of activities are compensable under the Fair Labor Standards Act and under certain state laws," Mickelson said.

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