Planet Money
The controversy over Tyson Foods' hiring of asylum seekers
Feb 27, 2025
Tyson Foods faces backlash for closing a plant in Perry, Iowa, while hiring asylum seekers elsewhere. With personal stories from both former American workers and new migrants, the podcast explores the emotional fallout of corporate decisions. Insights into Tyson's hiring practices reveal a complex narrative of labor dynamics. One migrant shares his journey from Venezuela to finding stability in Tennessee, highlighting the contrasting experiences of those affected by these hiring changes. The episode raises questions about inequality and the impact of immigration on local economies.
25:03
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Quick takeaways
- Tyson Foods faced labor shortages and turned to asylum seekers for low-skilled jobs, igniting debate over the displacement of American workers.
- Contrasting accounts from a migrant worker and a former employee reveal the emotional and social ramifications of corporate hiring practices amid community disruption.
Deep dives
Immigration and Labor Market Dynamics
The podcast details how Tyson Foods sought to fill low-skilled positions amid a tight labor market, turning to recent migrants for labor. The company faced difficulties retaining employees, resulting in a turnover rate around 40%, which compounded their recruitment challenges. With an influx of about 175,000 recent migrants in New York, Tyson collaborated with a non-profit organization to hire asylum seekers, offering immediate job placements at their poultry processing plant in Tennessee. This initiative was framed positively, with Tyson expressing pride in supporting a diverse workforce in the context of persistent labor shortages.
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