Today At Tyson
By Chris Walker (Contact)
Originally published 02:09 p.m., April 7, 2008
Updated 02:09 p.m., April 7, 2008
Sara Mezquita loads top sirloin on a machine that vacuum-seals the meat. Now that Emporia’s Tyson Fresh Meats has converted from slaughter and processing to all-processing, workers have learned new skills.
Monday Conversation is an interview with a local person. This week’s interview is with Mike Fiehler, plant manger of Tyson Fresh Meats. Fiehler answered questions about how the Tyson restructuring is going.
Q The company has gone through many changes over the last three months. How have they gone?
A It almost goes without saying that eliminating jobs is extremely difficult, especially when it involves people you’ve known and worked with for years. However, I can say the start-up of our restructured beef processing operation has gone better than expected. The team members who remain on staff have done a great job working together and adapting to our new responsibilities. In fact, we reached and exceeded our production goals ahead of schedule.
Kosal Chhorm, scaler-scheduler, and Joe Riegel, leadperson receiving cooler, track the inventory of raw materials coming in for processing.
Q What has been most difficult about the company’s transition? What has gone well?
A Because we converted the plant to specialty beef production, one of our challenges was ensuring our production workers either had or developed the skills needed to handle the variety of products we run from one hour to the next. Because of their team work and positive attitude, they have addressed this challenge successfully.
Q What does the company do now? Where is product coming from? Where does the finished product go?
A For competitive reasons, we would rather not provide much detail.
However, in general, we can tell you we’re producing special commodity cuts of boxed beef as well as ground beef for food retailers, food service customers and other Tyson plants involved in further processing product.
Q How will high feed costs and high gas costs affect what we do in Emporia?
Juan Patino is inspecting boxed beef to ensure correct labeling and proper placement of the product.
A We believe the high feed costs contributed to the shortfall of cattle that resulted in the discontinuation of slaughter operations at Emporia.
High fuel prices are obviously a concern for everyone, including Tyson, and we’re doing our best to manage through it. In the case of Emporia, it adds to our cost of shipping raw materials to the plant for processing, as well as the shipment of finished products to our customers.
Q It sounds like some people are being hired back. What has prompted that and how many people are now employed at the plant?
A As we finalized plans for our restructured operations it became apparent what types of job skills we would need to operate effectively as well as how many people would be required. This resulted in us calling back some team members. Right now we have about 800 people working here.
Q Is what you are doing at the Emporia plant viable for the long term?
A We believe this is a viable operation and certainly intend for it to be a long-term venture. We’re pleased with the success of the start-up phase and believe the Emporia team has done a terrific job.
Q Tyson has been generous with donating food to the community as well as funding its employees’ United Way commitment. Now that the Emporia Tyson plant is smaller, will Tyson still support the community in the future?
A We absolutely intend to continue our support of the community; however, because we have a smaller operation with fewer team members, our level of participation will likely not be the same.
Comments
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Posted by Pleasetellthetruth (anonymous) on April 7, 2008 at 3:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You have to be kidding me, ask him why my husband who worked there over 20 years was let go and his buddy who was in jail in california for 2 months is still employed. You have to be kidding with thiis interview !
Posted by Pleasetellthetruth (anonymous) on April 7, 2008 at 3:29 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by gold66801 (anonymous) on April 7, 2008 at 4:44 p.m.
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Posted by UsayULoveGod (anonymous) on April 7, 2008 at 5:35 p.m.
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Posted by white64 (anonymous) on April 7, 2008 at 7:08 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by rdgrey (anonymous) on April 7, 2008 at 7:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
After years of working experience it now come to light the truth behind "its not who you know, it who you -----"
Posted by hottopics (anonymous) on April 7, 2008 at 7:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It is who you know at that plant. We all know several who have stayed under the desk and kept their jobs. I think they fired everyone on purpose to get rid of and do some house cleaning. I had one person who's spouse remained employed said it was about good work ethics. What a load of BS. I know for a fact that that spouse is under Fiehlers desks and is the only reason he is employed there because all his previous employers will tell you he had no work ethics. But when you are in the Big Chair you can and do pick and choose.
Posted by webmaster (web master) on April 7, 2008 at 8:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
REMINDER:
Using the comment feature to make random attacks on people is not acceptable.
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Posted by hartford (anonymous) on April 8, 2008 at 11:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
webmaster:
But making comments about being under the desk is an ok comment in your book? what do you think one would be doing under ones desk?
You should leave all the comments in my opionion. Everyone affected has a right to get on here and speak their mind. Unless of course they are talking about someone who is under your desk maybe? You are a joke!!!!!!!!!
Posted by 77flint (anonymous) on April 8, 2008 at 11:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I feel that it has been bad form by the Gazette to remove the questions that should have be asked from the beginning. I don't think that it is a random attack if they are calling you out for not doing your job. Shame on the Gazette "Hometown Paper" and Tyson "Bloodsucking Corp." This is not a random attack it needed to be said. Answer the questions truthfully not behind a PR rep.
Posted by UsayULoveGod (anonymous) on April 8, 2008 at 11:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The truth Hurts ! Many at Tyson/IBP have been exploited and by not telling the truth or by not letting the truth be told by those affected is a shame . I worked there also and I could tell you some things that would leave you breathless , but it would be taken down in a heartbeat
Posted by netloafer (anonymous) on April 8, 2008 at 11:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't know much about the history of Tyson in Emporia and its relationship to the current mess, but I do understand that there is a great deal of anger about how Tyson has handled this. While it would be nice for the anger to be directed in a civil manner, I suspect the magnitude of the grievances overwhelms that ideal.
I think in this respect the Gazette has done little to make the situation better. It seems to me that they've taken more of a corporate view of the situation. I've often wondered why the Gazette has never done any investigative journalism vis a vis Tyson. Instead, the Gazette seems to have adopted a strategy of benign neglect or hands off. Perhaps if they had, problems within the plant would have been brought to the light of day and Tyson would have been faced with a public relations nightmage if they hadn't tried to fix things. As things played out, the grievances piled up, Tyson shed most of the jobs, and a lot of hard working, low wage workers are in a very difficult place.
The Gazette isn't the only city entity guilty of this neglect. Tyson got, and still gets, huge incentives, while labor conditions didn't improve.
It seems to me that the Gazette and our city leaders bare some moral responsibility for what's happened.
Posted by Deepthoughts (anonymous) on April 8, 2008 at 11:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't know what the comments said, but are you people wanting free reign on all comments? There has to be some kind of rule book; otherwise you get idiots on here spouting off, cursing, using these forums to degrade people, etc. I'm not trying to say what the gazette did or has done is appropriate since I've seen all kinds of comments on here that I personally think should be removed (and some eventually are), but I'm sure it can be difficult to try to keep up and catch all inappropriate comments. Maybe someone has to "suggest removal" before they even consider it - who knows?
All I'm saying is that free speech or not, this website is a privilege and has rules that have to be followed, so a person can't be upset if they break the rules and their comments are removed. Otherwise can you imagine how ridiculous this site would get? I'm sure people would start complaining if there were no rules and the Phelps clan started posting their hatred messages and malicious people started posting things about people around town (true or not), etc. Or perhaps you would only care if the lies and rude items were about you or your family? C'mon - can't we have an adult discussion without getting nasty?
P.S. No I do not work at, for and I am not related to anyone at the Gazette since I'm sure someone will make that comment because God forbid I took their side.
Posted by Deepthoughts (anonymous) on April 8, 2008 at 11:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
And as far as answering questions truthfully instead of behind a PR rep - think about our society today . . . people have basically forced corporations, big businesses, small businesses and people in general into a corner when it comes to "responses". Why? Just take a look at our overly litigious society. You get PC responses because otherwise some moron will decide they want to get rich quick and sue whomever has the deepest pockets over some little comment. You know it happens. It's unfortunate, but many people today want something for nothing and have the "you owe me" attitude when it comes to the business they work for, so of course the businesses have been forced to be 100% certain they are saying the right things that will not land them in trouble.
I'm not saying people shouldn't be honest, I'm just explaining why you get a PR version of the truth.
Posted by blulitespecial (anonymous) on April 8, 2008 at 12:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I kinda thought some comments posted were " over the line".One thing I try to remember is free speech doesn't apply here. I agreed to the policy ,the Gazette owns this site,and pays for it.When I buy my own soapbox- Then I have free speech.
Posted by netloafer (anonymous) on April 8, 2008 at 12:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Deepthoughts
I'm not excusing bad behavior or the lack of civility. But I do understand the anger that's contributed to it.
I agree that the Gazette owns this site. They can shut off the forums if they wish. But, I don't think it would be wise. They say the serve the public interest. How can that interest be served if they don't know how the public feels about issues of interest?
I do believe that the Gazette's lack of investigative work and the city's benign neglect have fostered an atmosphere that was bound to blow up, especially once the layoffs were announced.
The response some have had in this forum is regretttable, but understandable. I believe that if the Gazette and city leaders had been more pro-active we might have been able to avoid the flare-ups that have followed in the wake of Tyson's announcement.
Posted by Deepthoughts (anonymous) on April 8, 2008 at 1:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Net
I can also understand the anger and frustration, but I do not condone the way some people are handling it. My comments were not directed at you specifically, but were more of an in general "let's think about this" category. I guess I just get tired of the blame game. The Gazette should do this, the city should do this, the government should do this, my employer should do this, my spouse should do this, etc. Truth of the matter is - what could the gazette or city really have done that would have kept Tyson from making the decision they made? I would assume (yes I know what that means I'm risking) the answer is nothing.
It comes down to this - life happens - stuff happens (good and bad) - we cannot control others' actions or lack of action in some cases, but we can control our own actions/reactions and how we handle situations.
Posted by open_eyes (anonymous) on April 8, 2008 at 2:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree that there needs to be some sort of regulation and/or censure on vulgarity and certain personal attacks. And the Gazette has that right, rightfully so. But, in the interest of still keeping the forum as "open" as possible, and treading on free speech as lightly as possible, how about the suggestion of just censoring names, vulgar words, etc of offensive comments? Just replace some parts of the post with ***DELETED*** or something like that? I don't know if that would work, or work well, just a thought......
After all, most of the time I don't know what the ***DELETED*** I'm saying, anyway..... :)
Posted by netloafer (anonymous) on April 8, 2008 at 3:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Deepthoughts
My stake in this isn't personal. The stake that the laid off Tyson workers have is, however, very personal. Their livelihoods and security of their famileies is at stake. Under those circumstances I understand their anger
I don't think the Gazette could have prevented Tyson's decision.
I do think that over the years there have been a lot of problems at Tyson that have been overlooked by the Gazette and city leaders because Tyson was assumed to be a red letter economic plus for the city. No oned wanted to rock the boat. I think that made it difficult for the Gazette to do any of the investigative work about Tyson that needed to be done.
I think a lot of the root of the anger stems from the inability of workers at Tyson to get grievances heard by Tyson management or our local media.
As things stand now a lot of former Tyson employees feel they've been jettisoned by the corporation, forgotten by the media and city leadership, and are on their own.
Whether or not the anger stemming from that is all justified is debatable, but I certainly think it's understandable.
Posted by 77flint (anonymous) on April 8, 2008 at 5 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Just find the truth and ask the proper questions. Don't do a fluff piece when real issue needs to be discovered.
Posted by Deepthoughts (anonymous) on April 8, 2008 at 5:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
open - I like your suggestion - it's a ***DELETED*** great suggestion. See maybe we could help make the Gazette's job easier and just edit our own posts?
Posted by wyse_guy (anonymous) on April 8, 2008 at 6:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
They failed to tell how many of the 800 people got paycuts to keep their job and benefits. I have also heard they are still sending people home and calling others back. In earlier articles it said they were leaving slaughter side equipment intact. If thats the case why are they ripping it all out ... rumor has it they are possibly going to add some pork lines. I guess time will tell.
Posted by admireed (anonymous) on April 8, 2008 at 8:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
will add a couple of hundreds of jobs within 60 days.
If this company is so evil why did anyone work there? All about the money too?
Posted by railroadhorn (anonymous) on April 8, 2008 at 10:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Don't forget how much $$$$$ the Gazette has received by advertisers trying to hire the Tyson workers. Cargill's full-page ads, alone, probably made this the best haul the G. has had in years. But did the Gazette contribute any of those dollars to helping the out-of-work employees?
There are still important things that need to come to light about Tyson. Whether the Gazette publishes it, the AP, the Wichita Eagle or the NYT -- there's a lot more to this story that needs to see the light of day. Keep that in mind.
Posted by hartford (anonymous) on April 9, 2008 at 4:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
open:
That was ***DELETED*** hilarious!
You have a great suggestion that the gazette should consider.
Posted by justanotheropinion (anonymous) on April 9, 2008 at 9:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I too worked at tyson just like many others.I moved from dallas to emporia, with my family.In hope for a bright future.That lasted about 3 months like most at tyson.I worked at a handful of jobs through out the city. Then moved back dallas 2 years later. My whole point is no matter how hard things seem. NO MATTER WHO YOU OUR. It will get better. I found a great job when I came back to Dallas. Dont blame others for your problems. Just move foward in what ever is next for you, and for the ones you love. I found help with Jesus. You may find it something else.GOOD LUCK TO ALL EMPORIANS and MAY GOD BLESS YOU
Posted by 77flint (anonymous) on April 10, 2008 at 10:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
@deepthoughts- Nice to see you don't just attack at random you only attack those who are against the G's way of reporting.
Posted by Deepthoughts (anonymous) on April 10, 2008 at 2:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
@flint - seriously? Here we go again - apparently you have a problem with me because I didn't agree with you and what you said and I pointed that out. I don't "attack" - I simply state what I feel is correct. I'm sorry if you misinterpret some of the things I say - I do use sarcasm from time to time - perhaps that is what you consider attacking or is it just that I don't agree with your point of view?
I have stood up for my beliefs on other topics other than the Gazette and the way they report as well, so your above statement is incorrect. Please do not make generalizations about my comments that are untrue. If you read my above comments you would notice that I made a broad statement about the need for rules (for the Gazette website), which is applicable, in my opinion, for all websites like the Gazette. Sometimes I type things and don't fully explain the fact that this is my opinion regarding how the gazette reports AND how others should report because I assume that everyone realizes that if I think the gazette should have rules for users to follow then other papers should as well.
Posted by 77flint (anonymous) on April 10, 2008 at 4:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Be sure to wipe the brown off your NOSE!!
Posted by Deepthoughts (anonymous) on April 10, 2008 at 4:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Flint -
It is too bad that you do not have the ability to have a mature discussion without throwing out pathetic snide remarks (I've noticed a trend in your posts). Although I laughed at the immaturity of your comment and I told myself I wouldn't come down to your level - I think it needs to be said - GROW UP! Yes, you got me, I stooped to your level, but somebody had to say it.
If you can't handle an adult discussion where people are not always going to agree with you then this forum is no place for you to leave your comments because at this point, I can't imagine taking anything you say seriously. It's too bad really because I have agreed with a few things you've said in the past, but the constant negativity and lashing out ruin any chance of being taken seriously. The forums do not need people who are constantly negative and simply stirring things up just because. Some threads do get heated, but most of the time the individuals can work through their differences in opinion, but that is obviously not the case here - I tried to make my point on a civil level - that is all I can do. I wish you well (and I'm not kissing your ***DELETE*** with the well wishes, but rather it is meant with sincerity, so no wiping necessary).
Posted by neighbor (anonymous) on April 10, 2008 at 5:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Anyone notice the West side of Emporia doesn't smell so bad anymore?
Posted by 77flint (anonymous) on April 11, 2008 at 2:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Maturity has nothing to do with the fact that you are nothing and never will be. I am an adult because I can see when something isn't right or just. As for your so called civil manner and higher level of conversation is nothing but complacency. There is no difference between adult and child in your case because you think you know everything and know nothing and will only learn this the hard way. Not mention the lack of actually formulating your own views not just those of your buddies at the G.
Plain and Simple I AM DONE WITH YOU!!!
Posted by 77flint (anonymous) on April 11, 2008 at 2:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh, and nah nha nha boo boo sitck you head in doo doo.
Posted by create (anonymous) on April 11, 2008 at 8:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What is this, Romper Room?
Posted by maeandru (anonymous) on April 12, 2008 at 12:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
look at the names and, you will know why americans are loosing jobs.
Posted by maeandru (anonymous) on April 12, 2008 at 12:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
everyday Americans are laid off(humm) then all of a sudden jobs are filled by, you guessed it, Illegals. I say send all of them to Iraq, if they come back after thier tour of duty(just as americans are doing) then give that man/woman legal status.Otherwise send them back home.
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