SPRINGDALE, ARK. — Tyson Foods Inc. announced a plan to pay approximately $60 million in bonuses to its 116,000 frontline workers and truck drivers in the United States who are working during the coronavirus pandemic. Eligible people would receive a $500 bonus, payable during the first week of July.
The company said these bonuses are in addition to other efforts to support workers, plant communities and livestock producers during the global pandemic.
“We’re proud of how our team members have stepped up during this challenging time to make sure we continue fulfilling our critical mission of feeding people across America,” said Noel White, chief executive officer of Tyson Foods. “Our company recently relaxed our attendance policy and we encourage our team members to stay at home if they’re exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 infection. We’re taking additional precautionary measures, such as daily temperature checks at all our facilities and daily cleaning with extra sanitizing in high traffic areas.”
Tyson said it implemented the use of temporal thermometers to check the temperature of workers before they enter company facilities and expect delivery of infrared temperature scanners after a trial basis. The company will offer protective face coverings for production workers who request them and continues to work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on additional guidance on the use of personal protective equipment.
Tyson Foods plans to waive the five consecutive day waiting period for short-term disability benefits, so workers can receive pay while they’re sick with the flu or COVID-19. In addition, the company is:
- Waiving the co-pay, co-insurance and deductible for doctor visits for COVID-19 testing as well as eliminating pre-approval or preauthorization steps.
- Waiving co-pays for the use of telemedicine.
- Relaxing refill limits for 30-day prescriptions of maintenance medication.
Earlier this week, the company pledged $13 million to support critical needs in local communities where the company operates in response to the pandemic.
