Nebraska Government Mobilizes Resources for Lexington Amid Tyson Plant Closure
In a significant move to address an impending economic challenge, Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to support the Lexington community after the closure of its primary employer, Tyson Foods. This initiative aims to mitigate the impact on the local economy and provide assistance to affected workers.
The collaborative plan involves a partnership between several state departments, including Labor, Health and Human Services, Economic Development, and Agriculture. These agencies are working closely with organizations in Lexington to offer support and resources to employees and their families impacted by the closure of Tyson Foods’ plant.
“The whole state is behind the community of Lexington as they face this tough transition,” stated Gov. Pillen in a recent announcement. “Our state agencies are working together to provide the support this community deserves.”
The announcement follows Tyson’s recent decision to shut down its Lexington meat plant by January 20, which will result in the loss of over 3,000 jobs in a town with a population of approximately 10,000.
To provide immediate support, a Rapid Response layoff services event is scheduled for Tyson employees at the Dawson County Fairgrounds on Wednesday and Thursday. The event will offer information on unemployment insurance, job search tools, and economic aid programs. Tyson will inform its employees about the specifics of the upcoming Rapid Response event.
Labor Commissioner Katie Thurber emphasized the community’s role in facilitating the state’s efforts, stating, “This is a difficult time for the community and the impacted workers, but they have truly come together to help make DOL’s efforts possible. An event of this size would not be happening this quickly without community support.” She also noted that Nebraska employers are organizing job fairs, with more information to be released soon.
Adding to the town’s challenges, a contractor responsible for cleaning and sanitizing the Tyson plant has also announced its closure and the subsequent layoff of its entire workforce. Fortrex, previously known as Packers Sanitation Services Inc. (PSSI), has notified state labor officials of its plan to terminate 139 employees.
