A Tyson Foods plant in Waterloo, Iowa terminated seven managers after completing a probe into managers betting on how many of their workers would contract Coronavirus.
The probe started in November after a lawsuit was filed by Oscar Fernandez alleging that management created a “cash buy-in, winner-take-all” betting pool for how many employees would get sick from the virus.
Fernando also alleged Tyson required employees to work long hours without proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), and they didn’t follow Coronavirus safety protocols related to social distancing, cleaning touched surfaces often, and staying home when sick.
Fernando’s father died after contracting COVID-19 in April while on the job, and the plant remained open.
The investigation was led by former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder.
Tyson Foods CEO Dean Banks expressed his disappointment in a statement on Wednesday.
The behaviors exhibited by these individuals do not represent the Tyson core values, which is why we took immediate and appropriate action to get to the truth.
Now that the investigation has concluded, we are taking action based on the findings
Banks traveled to Waterloo to meet with team members and community leaders to “reinforce Tyson’s commitment to them and the community.”
Banks asked Holder to help the company to “enhance a trusting and respectful workplace.”
See a news report below that goes into detail about the lack of adherence to Coronavirus protocols at the Waterloo plant:
This story is deplorable and the seven managers should suffer more than just losing their job in my opinion.
