Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) is renewing scrutiny of Tyson Foods, accusing the meat processing giant of employing illegal aliens and underage workers while shutting down U.S. facilities and laying off thousands of American workers.
During a Senate hearing this week, Hawley pressed Andrew Rogers, President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division, on whether he would continue investigations into Tyson’s labor practices. Rogers stated he could not comment on ongoing probes but affirmed he would investigate allegations of illegal and child labor.
Hawley has previously called for a full investigation into the company. In a letter sent last month to Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, he urged immediate federal action following whistleblower claims that Tyson Foods employed underage and unauthorized workers through third-party contractors.
The whistleblower, a former plant safety manager, alleged direct sightings of child labor and reported that other Tyson employees had made similar complaints. According to the account, the child workers were hired by a contracted entity operating within a Tyson plant. When the whistleblower raised concerns with management, they reportedly faced retaliation and a hostile work environment, ultimately resigning from the company. Tyson has since taken legal action against the whistleblower.
Hawley confirmed that a Labor Department official responded to his inquiry, acknowledging that the Wage and Hour Division is conducting active investigations into Tyson Foods and its contractors under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Tyson Foods laid off more than 4,200 American workers in 2023 after shuttering eight meatpacking plants across Arkansas, Missouri, and Indiana. The closures intensified concerns that while the company reduces domestic employment, it may be exploiting illegal labor to fill remaining roles at reduced costs.
Hawley has vowed to continue his subcommittee’s independent investigation, demanding full accountability and enforcement of federal labor laws.
