New poultry product hits shelves as 3,100 beef plant workers secure wage increases and better benefits

USA – Tyson Foods Inc. is launching a new line of chicken nuggets made with fewer ingredients, available in both original and spicy flavours.
The gluten-free nuggets are made using a blend of chicken, mozzarella, parmesan cheese and seasonings, with each serving providing 23 grams of protein and between 1 and 2 grams of carbohydrates.
The original flavour is already being sold in select retail stores, while the spicy version is expected to hit the market soon.
This release follows the company’s recent launch of its Tyson Mega Dino Nuggets in June.
At the same time, Tyson is navigating labour developments at one of its largest beef processing facilities in Amarillo, Texas.
Around 3,100 workers at the Amarillo plant will see a 32% wage increase following the approval of a new four-year labour contract.
The agreement was reached after nearly all workers voted in favour earlier this week, following threats to strike over pay and working conditions.
Teamsters Local 577, the union representing the workforce, confirmed the deal on Wednesday and said its negotiating committee had fully backed Tyson’s latest offer.
The contract also includes changes to paid time off policies and retirement benefits, though specific details on these changes have not been made public.
Union president Al Brito said the result reflects what can be achieved through collective action in industries where physical labour and health risks are common.
This vote comes amid broader unrest within the food processing sector, where demands for fair compensation and safer conditions continue to grow.
Earlier this year, Tyson Foods was part of a US$180.8 million (KSh 23.5 billion) settlement tied to a class-action lawsuit on wage practices within the poultry industry.
The suit involved Tyson and eight other poultry companies accused of working together to suppress wages across various operations, including processing plants and feed mills, from 2000 to 2020.
The case highlighted ongoing concerns about compensation practices in segments of the meat industry long known for low pay and physically demanding work.
Tyson Foods has not commented publicly on whether additional labour agreements or product launches are planned in the coming months.
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