The lawsuit in question is residue from former President Trump’s Executive Order requiring meat packing plants to stay open despite many of their employees suffering from COVID-19. Four workers died in Storm Lake, Iowa. Seven died in Waterloo, Iowa. Overall, 863 workers tested positive for COVID-19. Tyson is defending itself, saying that the company is not subject to former President Trump’s Executive Order. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has clarified that she fully supports the order.
Reporting suggests that the company failed to routinely test or provide adequate protection for their workers, who often work shoulder to shoulder on the lines.