Published Aug. 15, 2026.
By Hola America News
Tyson ended slaughter and processing at the Illinois beef plant Aug. 13 and 14. Workers covered by the company’s notices will continue to receive pay through Oct. 12.
JOSLIN, IL — Tyson Foods has closed its beef plant near Joslin. As a result, the shutdown affects more than 2,000 workers and one of the Quad Cities region’s largest employers.
Slaughter ended Aug. 13. The next day, processing ended. State Sen. Mike Halpin said roughly 2,500 workers will lose their jobs.
Workers included in Tyson’s notices will continue to receive pay through Oct. 12. However, that date may not cover every contractor or other worker tied to the plant.
Tyson said it will move the work to other plants. The company linked the closure to the smallest U.S. cattle supply in 75 years and losses in its beef business. In addition, Tyson said it will work with affected employees who want to move to another company location.
Production has ended, but some pay continues through Oct. 12
The Oct. 12 date does not mean the Joslin plant remains open. Instead, it marks the end of pay for workers covered by the company’s notices after production stopped.
Still, Tyson has not released a public list of the workers included in those notices. Therefore, the date should not be presented as a guarantee for every person who worked at or served the facility.
Related coverage: Tyson closes Joslin beef plant, affecting about 2,500 union jobs.
Halpin seeks state help and answers about the notice
Halpin said the closure left workers and families with little warning. He also said he would contact the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity about job and training help.
In addition, Halpin raised questions about whether the state, the union and workers received enough notice.
The Illinois WARN Act usually requires employers with at least 75 full-time workers to give 60 days’ notice before a covered plant closing or mass layoff. However, the law includes exceptions. Whether it applies depends on the facts of each closure.
As of Aug. 15, the state’s public archive included WARN reports only through July 31. Therefore, it did not show when Tyson filed any August notice. At the same time, no state agency had announced a finding that Tyson broke the law.
The notice rules and contact information are available through the Illinois Department of Labor’s WARN Act page.
Johnson says Tyson should help workers find new jobs
State Rep. Gregg Johnson called the closure “an act of bad faith.” He said workers and the wider Quad Cities community were caught off guard after decades of ties to the plant.
Meanwhile, Johnson said Tyson should work with local agencies and employers to connect workers with other jobs. He also called on the company to help reduce the effect on local families.
American Job Center offers job and training help in Rock Island
The American Job Center at 500 42nd St., Suite 6, in Rock Island serves laid-off workers. For example, staff can help with job searches, applications, career planning, referrals and training options. However, some programs require enrollment.
- Phone: 309-429-6429
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Hours and services are listed in the Illinois workNet center directory.
Also, the Illinois Department of Employment Security accepts unemployment claims online. Its claim page includes information in English and Spanish.
Moline program can cover rent or utility costs
Meanwhile, the City of Moline offers one-time rent and gas or electric help for eligible renters within city limits. Eligibility depends on income, financial hardship, a valid lease and available funds. The program’s phone number is 309-524-2044.
More terms are available on the city’s Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance page.
In addition, Project NOW runs the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program in Henry, Mercer and Rock Island counties. For example, the program may provide a one-time utility benefit, help restore service or offer other approved energy support. Appointments are available at 309-793-6391.
Project NOW lists its current terms on the utility assistance page.
The Salvation Army in Moline also provides emergency support. However, help depends on a household review and available funds. The Moline office can be reached at 309-764-2811.
River Bend pantry serves Moline twice a week
Meanwhile, River Bend Food Bank operates a pantry at SouthPark Mall, 4500 16th St. in Moline. The pantry opens Tuesdays from 2 to 6:30 p.m. and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The food bank’s main phone number is 563-345-6490. Also, current hours and closures appear on the NorthPark and SouthPark pantry page.
For now, production at the Joslin plant has ended. Meanwhile, workers covered by Tyson’s notices will continue to receive pay through Oct. 12. Local job, housing, utility and food programs remain available across the Quad Cities.
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