Tyson Foods Inc., sign on Tyson’s headquarters in Springdale, Ark.
April L. Brown | AP
More than 90% of Tyson Foods’ 120,000 employees were vaccinated after the meat packer announced a mandate in early August.
In less than two months, the company has almost doubled the number of its employees vaccinated against Covid-19. The New York Times Dealbook first reported the news.
Tyson’s office workers must be fully vaccinated by Friday, while factory workers are due November 1. According to the company, 91% of its workforce has been vaccinated so far, at roughly the same rate for its employees who work in union works. Employees received a $ 200 compliance bonus.
Tyson’s vaccination mandate came as new Covid cases spiked in the US, especially in areas with low vaccination rates. As companies encouraged workers to get vaccinated, cases have decreased in most US states.
Some companies like McDonald’s and Walmart have chosen to only impose vaccines on their employees. United Airlines, which has one of the strictest policies, said Tuesday that 593 of its employees will be fired for non-compliance with their mandate. President Joe Biden recently unveiled a vaccination rate increase plan that would require employers with more than 100 workers to order vaccinations or weekly tests.
The pandemic has hit the meat packaging industry hard, killing at least 132 workers, according to union data. The conditions in the factories require employees to work closely together for hours, which makes social distancing almost impossible. Group accommodation and shared transportation to and from work also increase contact between workers. Outbreaks forced plant closings in some cases.
Tyson’s shares were down 1% in morning trading. The stock is up 24% this year, taking its market value to $ 29 billion.