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As news broke Monday (March 13) that Tyson Foods would close its chicken processing plant in Van Buren, people in Fort Smith and Van Buren were busy working out how to help the nearly 1,000 workers who faced unemployment after May 12.
Springdale-based Tyson Foods, which has operated in Van Buren since 1975 and expanded over the years, has sent a warning letter to 969 workers saying the last day of work is scheduled for May 12. Tyson Foods did not provide details about benefits or options for displaced workers. The company said it is working with employees to provide them with opportunities to relocate when applicable within the company. Tyson will close its Glen Allen plant on May 12, with the loss of 692 jobs.
Administrators at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith Economic Development Center said Friday (March 17) they are committed to helping Tyson Foods employees find new opportunities by restructuring and growing.
“We understand that plant closings can be difficult and that displaced workers often face challenges when trying to find new job opportunities. The Center for Economic Development offers a variety of resources and services to help these individuals overcome these challenges and advance their careers,” said Kendall Ross, Executive Director of the Center for Economic Development.
While the news is devastating for the plant and the region’s workers, Ross said the economic impact has the potential to be greater than the immediate job losses.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, “the effects of permanent plant closings are estimated at 500 jobs for every 100 jobs lost.” “In other words, the closing of 969 jobs at one plant could have a significant impact on the indirect loss of over 4,980 jobs in the river valley.”
That is why the cooperation system developed in the area is very important, he said.
‘Stay Together’
Julie Murray, president and CEO of the Van Buren Chamber of Commerce, sent a letter to council members Wednesday (March 15) about the resources the chamber will raise “for our friends and neighbors in Tysons.”
“First, we need to be patient and allow them all the time to work out what happened and the options available to Tyson. They are also charged with keeping the plant operating until May 12th, and we respect that desire and responsibility,” Murray said in the letter.
But she said there are things that can be done to help before May.
The Van Buren Chamber, in partnership with the Crawford County Adult Education Center, is planning a career fair for Tyson employees looking for a new job on April 26. Murray also encouraged Chamber members to make sure their job openings are posted. Chamber website.
“Let’s come together as a community and support our friends at the Van Buren Tyson Plant to help them find their way to their next career,” Murray said.
Twin Rivers outlet
Twin Rivers Foods wasted no time in seeking out workers from the Tyson plant. In a post on its Facebook page Thursday (March 16), the company welcomes all former Tyson employees who want to work at its Second Street plant in downtown Fort Smith, saying it has openings on the first and second shifts and respects Tyson’s senior status with Twin Rivers. Vacation schedule and holidays.
“You will be eligible for Wynn Rivers Group benefits immediately upon initiation,” he wrote.
Former Tyson employees will receive a sign-on bonus of $250 to $500 after completing their first day on the job and $250 after completing 60 days with Twin Rivers, the post said.
And Ross said UAFS has plans in motion and is ready to help anyone who needs help. University services include redevelopment, training programs, job placement assistance and entrepreneurship training.
“CED works closely with the Van Buren Chamber of Commerce and local employers to identify new job opportunities and connect displaced workers with employers and the specific training needed. In addition, UAFS offers both credit and non-credit educational programs to meet the diverse needs of Tyson Van Buren’s team members,” said a release from UAFS. A news report said.
Ross said the university has secured funding for skills training and the ability to rehabilitate displaced workers at no cost. CED training is available in both English and Spanish.
Entrepreneurial options
The UAFS Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center is ready to work with entrepreneurs who want to open their own small businesses after the plant closes, said ASBTDC regional office director Bill Sabo. The center offers comprehensive assessments, business planning and credit strategy, including relationships with microlenders that can be exchanged with first-time entrepreneurs rather than traditional lenders. ASBTDC is also available for consultations in English and Spanish.
“For evacuees interested in entering traditional educational pathways, UAFS admissions counselors, including Spanish-speaking staff, have agreed to participate in job, education and placement fairs at the Van Buren plant in the coming months. Those with college experience may apply to the university’s adult degree completion program, according to the news release.
There may also be an opportunity for UAFS to partner with the West Arkansas Planning and Development District to provide funding to create no-cost educational pathways for qualified displaced workers, including academic credentials up to bachelor’s degrees.
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