Workers at Tyson Foods’ massive beef processing facility in Amarillo have overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike, setting the stage for a potential disruption at the nation’s largest beef plant. Represented by Teamsters Local 577, the 3,100 workers—who handle slaughtering and processing—are demanding higher wages and stronger benefits, citing deteriorating workplace conditions and unfair treatment.
“This facility is essential to the beef supply chain,” said Al Brito, President of Local 577. “But if Tyson’s corporate leadership doesn’t start demonstrating some basic humanity, we will be forced to take action.”
Brito did not mince words, accusing the food giant of greed and moral failure. “We are bargaining with one of the most repulsively greedy and amoral corporations in the entire country. Last year, Tyson’s CEO made 525 times that of the median worker,” he said. “That tells you everything about how little they value the people who make this company run.”
The union’s strike authorization comes amid ongoing contract negotiations and follows the filing of multiple unfair labor practice (ULP) charges against Tyson Foods. According to the Teamsters, the company has been accused of illegally harassing union stewards, coercing injured workers into dropping claims, interrogating union members about protected activity, and misleading employees by suggesting they could be fired for participating in a legal ULP strike.
“We’re not just fighting for more money,” said Keisha Carey, a member of the union’s negotiating committee. “We’re tired of seeing people suffer. We’re tired of seeing people hurting. We’re tired of seeing the elites who run this company have no compassion for the workers who make them rich.”
The Amarillo plant is one of the cornerstones of the American beef industry, processing thousands of head of cattle daily. Any disruption could ripple through the supply chain, potentially impacting beef prices nationwide. The plant’s workers are responsible for the difficult and often dangerous tasks of butchering and preparing beef for distribution across the country.
So far, Tyson has not publicly responded to the latest union statements or the ULP allegations. In the past, the company has stated its commitment to fair labor practices and competitive compensation, though union leaders argue that claim doesn’t match the reality on the ground.
The vote does not guarantee a strike will occur immediately, but it grants the union the power to call one if negotiations stall. A strike would be a significant escalation in a labor dispute that now goes far beyond wages—it’s also about dignity, workplace safety, and the balance of power between corporate leadership and essential workers.
For now, Local 577 is continuing to negotiate, but union leaders say time is running out.
