Eligible team members will receive a $500 bonus, payable during the first week of July.
“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 Tyson Foods CEO Noel White in a press statement.
“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.
“Our team members are leading the charge to continue providing food to the nation,” White said. “The bonuses are another way we can say thank you for their efforts.”
Tyson has also begun taking other steps to help contain the spread of COVID-19. The company is restricting visitor access to its facilities and has relaxed its attendance policy to allow workers to stay home if they are feeling sick or need to provide childcare.
It has also begun instituting several additional biosafety protocols, including checking the temperature of team members before they enter company facilities. The company is also offering protective face coverings for production workers who request them and is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on additional guidance on the use of personal protective equipment.
Tyson Foods is also adjusting its health care coverage to allow for possible COVID-19 needs. It is waiving the 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, and waiving the copay, coinsurance and deductible for doctor visits for COVID-19 testing, waiving copays for the use of telemedicine and relaxing refill limits for 30-day prescriptions of maintenance medication.
The company has also pledged $13 million to aid local communities where the company operates. Investments will be focused on nonprofit partners providing emergency response efforts such as rent and utility assistance, food distribution, health care, child care, small business support and other economic recovery services.
Tyson Foods also added a one-time $5 premium for live cattle and a $7.94 premium for dressed and grid cattle the week of March 23. 
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Carrie Veselka
- Editor
- Progressive Cattle
- Email Carrie Veselka
