Nine of the nation's largest poultry processors, including Tyson Foods, have agreed to pay settlements in a years-long antitrust lawsuit alleging they conspired to depress worker wages. The lawsuit, Judy Jien et al. vs. Perdue Farms et al., claims wage depression dating back to January 1, 2009. Settlements are sought for several poultry producers and consulting firms, totaling $180.8 million, bringing the grand total to $398.05 million, the second-largest recovery in labor antitrust class action history. The case against Agri Stats, the sole defendant yet to reach a settlement, continues. The lawsuit claims wage information sharing and depression violated the Sherman Act. Most poultry processing line workers paid near or below the poverty line, targeting vulnerable populations like migrants and refugees. The latest agreements aim to address these issues.

Poultry processors to pay $180M in wage-fixing class action

Nine of the nation's largest poultry processors, including Tyson Foods and Perdue Farms, have agreed to pay $180.8 million in settlements in a years-long antitrust lawsuit alleging wage-fixing. The case, Judy Jien et al. vs. Perdue Farms et al., claims wage depression dating back to 2009, with total settlements reaching $398.05 million. Agri Stats remains the sole defendant not yet settled, and the lawsuit alleges violations of the Sherman Act by sharing wage data, affecting low wages for vulnerable workers.