Updated Aug. 15, 2026.
Production ended Aug. 13 and 14. Workers covered by Tyson’s closure notices will continue receiving pay through Oct. 12.
JOSLIN, Illinois — Tyson Foods has closed its beef plant near Joslin. The site was one of the Quad Cities region’s largest employers. Illinois lawmakers estimate that the shutdown affects about 2,500 union jobs.
Slaughter operations ended Thursday, Aug. 13. Processing ended the next day. As a result, most employees will no longer report to the plant. However, some remain on Tyson’s payroll.
Workers covered by the company’s closure notices will continue receiving pay through Oct. 12. Still, that date may not apply to every contractor or other worker tied to the plant.
Worker resource guide: Hola America has compiled employment, unemployment, housing, utility and food assistance available after the Tyson Joslin plant closure.
Most production ended Aug. 13 and 14
Most slaughter crews finished work on or around Aug. 13. Processing crews followed on or around Aug. 14.
Therefore, the Oct. 12 date does not mean the plant remains open. Instead, it marks the scheduled end of pay for workers covered by Tyson’s notices.
Tyson may keep a small number of specialized employees on the job for a short time. For now, the company plans to contact those workers directly.
Meanwhile, union contracts decide whether employees have “bumping rights.” Some contracts allow a worker to move into another job during a layoff. However, those rights apply only to jobs covered by the union contract.
Lawmakers estimate that 2,500 union jobs are affected
Illinois Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth and Rep. Eric Sorensen estimate that the closure affects about 2,500 union jobs.
Together, the lawmakers included that number in a joint statement about the Joslin closure. Tyson, however, has not released its own full employee count.
In addition, the shutdown affects contractors, suppliers and other businesses tied to the plant. Still, no public agency has released a full estimate of those added job or economic losses.
Tyson will move work to plants in three states
Tyson plans to transfer work from Joslin to other facilities. The company will focus its beef business around plants in Dakota City, Nebraska; Holcomb, Kansas; and Amarillo, Texas.
In addition, Tyson plans to end operations at its Eagle Mountain, Utah, facility. The company also plans to sell its plant in Pasco, Washington.
Tyson tied the changes to a severe cattle shortage and losses in its beef business. Meanwhile, the U.S. cattle supply has fallen to its lowest level in about 75 years.
Tyson also said it will help affected employees apply for open jobs at other company sites. More details are available in the company’s beef network restructuring plan.
Employment services remain available in the Quad Cities
Black Hawk College Career Services offers help with résumés, interviews and job searches. For example, staff can help workers prepare application materials and explore open positions.
The office is in Building 1 at 6600 34th Ave. in Moline. Its phone number is 309-796-5626.
Meanwhile, the American Job Center offers free computers, internet access and résumé help. It also provides job searches and referrals to training programs.
The Rock Island office is at 500 42nd St., Suite 6. Workers can reach the center at 309-429-6429.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security also accepts unemployment claims online. Because some Tyson workers will receive pay through Oct. 12, IDES will review how that money affects each claim.
The agency’s unemployment insurance page includes translated information. In addition, claimant services are available at 800-244-5631.
Finally, production at the Joslin plant ended Aug. 14. Workers covered by Tyson’s closure notices remain scheduled to receive pay through Oct. 12.
Stay in the know with stories that matter — visit HolaAmericaNews.com for the latest news, culture and community updates.
Facebook Comments
