While we are all experiencing a NEW way of life during this pandemic, I have experienced and seen a lot of good during this time. The good of everyone working together and doing their part to keep themselves and families safe. The good of taking care of others and supporting those who need help. The good of donating to those who are less fortunate. Here at Tyson Foods, I’ve seen the good of supporting our schools, first responders, local communities and team members more than ever.
It is an honor to lead the amazing team at the Blountsville facility. A team of 600 dedicated members who have shown their pride in the work they do each day. As a major employer and essential business, we operate in the best interest of our workers, consumers and communities.
We’re working hard to protect our team members during this ever-changing situation, while also ensuring we continue fulfilling our critical role of helping feed people across the country and keeping hundreds employed. We check worker temperatures and require they wear protective face coverings. We’ve implemented social distancing measures, such as installing workstation dividers and barriers in our breakrooms, and we are deep cleaning our facilities daily. In March, we relaxed our attendance policy to encourage people to stay home when they’re sick and we continue to remind them to follow CDC guidelines at home as well as at work.
Our team members have mandatory health care coverage and we’ve made changes by waiving a five consecutive day waiting period for Short Term Disability and increased coverage to 90% of normal pay until June 30, 2020, so employees can receive pay while they’re sick with the flu or COVID-19. In addition, we’re waiving the co-pay, co-insurance and deductible for doctor visits for COVID-19 testing as well as eliminating pre-approval or preauthorization steps. We’ve waived co-pays for the use of telemedicine and are relaxing refill limits for 30-day prescriptions of maintenance medication.
No one should be fearful to go to work. Because our plants are already focused on food safety efforts, I believe they’re one of the safest places for a person to be. I want everyone in this community to know we are committed to maintaining a safe working environment at Tyson Foods in Blountsville.
It’s during these times of uncertainty when communities come together to support and help one another.
I’m proud to be a part of the Tyson Blountsville Team where we take pride in feeding our families, communities and country. Thank you for everything you do.
Scott Schroeder
Tyson Foods Plant Manager
Blountsville, Alabama
