Tyson must help its workers in Perry

Stop me if you’ve heard this one: a large corporation comes hat-in-hand asking for taxpayer dollars, and then turns around and leaves as soon as they can — cashing the check on the way out. For the people of Perry, Iowa, Tyson’s decision to close its pork plant and displace its 1,300-member workforce is not merely a corporate maneuver. It's a betrayal of a community that has supported Tyson for decades with its labor, its goodwill, and yes, millions of its tax dollars and incentives.

Tyson's decision to shut down its pork plant in Perry is a devastating blow to the community. These are not just numbers on a corporate spreadsheet: they are families, neighbors, and friends who have relied on Tyson for their livelihoods. The people there are the backbone of the local economy, contributing to the vibrancy of our community through their hard work and dedication. Yet, despite their contributions, they are now faced with uncertainty and fear for their future. The plant closure is particularly disheartening given Dallas County’s generous support for Tyson through tax incentives and other benefits aimed at fostering a favorable business environment. These incentives were provided with the expectation that Tyson would be a stable and supportive corporate citizen, contributing to the economic well-being of our communities. Instead, Tyson's leaving town as soon as the going gets tough.

Corporate greed and the relentless pursuit of profits have once again overshadowed the well-being of hardworking Iowans. While companies like Tyson continue to benefit from tax breaks and governmental support, workers are left vulnerable to the whims of corporate decision-making. This stark reality underscores the need for greater accountability and responsibility from companies that benefit from public funds.

I am calling on Tyson Foods to do right by the workers who have dedicated their lives to the company. Tyson must provide comprehensive severance packages, continued health care benefits, and support for retraining programs to ensure that the workers affected by this closure are not left to navigate this transition alone. Furthermore, this situation highlights the urgent need for policy reforms to protect workers and communities from the adverse effects of such corporate decisions. We must advocate for stronger safeguards that ensure companies benefiting from public support are held to account for their actions, particularly when those actions have profound impacts on our communities.

Let us stand united in our support for the workers and families in Perry who have been affected by this closure. Let's demand more from corporations that have the power to uplift or upend our communities. The strength of our state lies in the resilience and solidarity of Iowans. Together, we will navigate this challenge and emerge stronger, advocating for a future where the well-being of our workers and communities is prioritized over corporate profits. Tyson owes it to Iowa's workers, to Perry, and to all of us who believe in the value of loyalty and community, to act with integrity and fairness in this difficult moment.

State Rep. Sami Scheetz is a Democrat from Cedar Rapids.