Tyson Signs Up For IMAGE Program
Tyson Foods Inc. of Springdale on Jan. 20 became the first “major food” company to become a member of a program designed to reduce unlawful employment by undocumented workers.
Ken Kimbro, Tyson senior vice president and chief of human resources, signed an agreement between the company and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The agreement, known as IMAGE, or ICE Mutual Agreement between Government and Employers, requires Tyson Foods to e-verify its workers, enroll in social security number verification and undergo an I-9 audit.
“We believe our participation confirms to our customers, plant communities and others that Tyson uses best hiring practices to maintain a lawful workforce. We also believe this partnership will enhance our ability to collaborate with government officials on immigration-related matters,” Kimbro said in a new release.
In addition to the IMAGE rules, Tyson will also proactively audit its I-9s, certify all hiring managers on I-9 verifications annually and use a third-party to audit the company’s hiring practices.