SPRINGDALE, Ark. — Tyson Foods Inc. announced Tuesday that it has achieved nearly full vaccination of its active workforce. The company decided in August to require all its 120,000 U.S. employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Nov. 1.
“We couldn’t be happier to let you know that over 96% of our active team members will be vaccinated — or nearly 60,000 more than when we made the announcement on Aug. 3,” said Tyson Foods Inc. President and CEO Donnie King in a note to employees. “This is an incredible result — not only for our company, but for your families and our communities across the country.”
The vaccine mandate was part of Tyson’s larger effort to confront the COVID-19 pandemic, which ravaged its workforce in 2020. The company faced criticism last year for a lack of worker protections amid outbreaks in many of its plants, including a 58% infection rate in the Perry factory in March 2020.
King said the company has “seen a significant decline in the number of active cases companywide” since mandating the vaccinations.
United Food and Commercial Workers International Union President Marc Perrone encouraged other companies to work with unions in vaccinating their workforce.
“Working together, the UFCW and Tyson set a new standard with this vaccine mandate and have proved what’s possible when we listen to workers and negotiate the implementation of vaccination mandates fairly and responsibly,” Perrone said. “We urge every company, across this country, to do what is right by their frontline workers and work cooperatively with their unions and employees to help end this pandemic and keep all of America’s essential workers and their families safe.”
King also offered encouragement to Tyson employees and former employees who have not yet received the vaccination.
“I’d also like to say to those who remain unvaccinated — this is your choice, and we respect that choice,” he said. “If you change your mind and want to rejoin Tyson — let us know. Our doors are open.”
Just wonder out of those 95% what percent got sick anyway or had an adverse reaction or vaccine injury. Those are supposed to be reported also.