Tyson's second-shift slaughter is done

 

By Joey Berlin

January 30, 2008

Tyson Foods ended its second shift slaughter operations in Emporia on Wednesday, instead of doing so in a few weeks, the company announced in a news release late Wednesday afternoon.

Tyson officials announced last week that the Emporia slaughter operation and second shift processing would close down within the next few weeks, eliminating 1,500 jobs at the plant. But second shift slaughter work ended Wednesday, and second shift processing will end Friday.

"We've decided to end some operations now so the team members affected can immediately start considering opportunities at other Tyson plants," said Jim Lochner, senior group vice president of Tyson Fresh Meats, in the release. "We're pleased with the initial interest some have already expressed in relocating to another Tyson facility."

This week's operation stoppages will affect 800 employees, the release said. Tyson has not set a date for the end of first shift slaughter operations. The company announced last week that laid-off workers will continue to be paid and receive benefits for 60 days.