Tyson shutdown hits Lexington early: Workers face reduced hours and early layoffs
Lexington families are already feeling the impact of the Tyson plant shutdown, as workers report hours being cut and positions being terminated early.
By News Channel NebraskaLEXINGTON, Neb. — The Tyson beef processing plant in Lexington hasn’t officially closed yet, but the shutdown is already affecting workers and their families.
Employees say hours are being cut, some jobs are ending early, and local agencies are seeing a surge in demand for services.
Multiple workers told News Channel Nebraska that the company began reducing hours last Friday, with a larger wave of schedule cuts rolling out this week.
Many employees reported having their hours cut in half, down to about four hours a day, while others were removed from the schedule entirely.
Several workers, who asked not to be on camera, said Wednesday would be their final day working at the plant.
The Dawson County Opportunity Center, home to the Department of Health and Human Services, Nebraska Department of Labor, and the Lexington Visitor's Center, is seeing unprecedented demand. Officials say more than 200 people per day have been seeking help, including food assistance, unemployment guidance and other resources.
To manage the surge, the Opportunity Center implemented a ticket system to keep lines moving and prevent staff from becoming overwhelmed.
Agency officials say they expect the demand for services to remain high, and possibly increase, as more employees adjust to sudden income loss.
The Tyson plant is officially scheduled to close on January 20, but for many workers, the effects of the shutdown have already begun.