At least 4,500 Tyson workers have caught COVID-19, with 18 deaths

...An analysis by Business Insider found at least 4,585 cases of COVID-19 and 18 deaths linked to Tyson. The cases span meat-processing plants in 15 states, according to data from state and local governments, the Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting, The Counter, and local news publications. Tyson has highlighted the new steps it's taking to protect workers, including taking temperatures, requiring face masks, instituting additional daily deep cleanings, and installing workstation dividers. The company says it has relaxed its attendance policy and waived the waiting period to qualify for short-term disability, as well as the copay, coinsurance, and deductible costs for COVID-19 testing. However, Tyson still does not offer full paid sick leave; instead, it offers short-term disability. Until the end of April, Tyson's short-term disability covered only 60% of pay. On April 29, the company said it raised short-term disability coverage to 90% of normal pay until the end of June. A Tyson representative told Business Insider that the company increased its short-term disability pay as "another way of encouraging team members to stay home when they are sick." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has encouraged meat-processing plants to make it easier for workers to take paid sick leave to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Progressive organizers have argued that the lack of paid sick leave makes certain groups even more vulnerable, especially during the coronavirus pandemic...MOVE