DAKOTA DUNES, SD. — A Worker Adjustment Retraining Notification (WARN) Act posted by the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation showed that approximately 262 Tyson Fresh Meats employees would lose their positions at the former office in Dakota Dunes, SD.

The notice stated that their last day of work would be July 31 or within 14 days of that date. According to multiple reports, the Dakota Dunes office supported about 500 employees. 

“All affected team members were offered the opportunity to move to Springdale, but many team members have chosen not to make the move,” said Jamison Smith, vice president of human resources of Tyson Foods, in the notice. “We respect this personal and difficult decision made by each individual and want to ensure they receive as much support as possible as they transition in their careers.”

In October 2022, the company announced it would move all its corporate employees to one location in Springdale, Ark. Before that, Tyson had corporate locations in Chicago, Downers Grove, III., and Dakota Dunes, SD, for various parts of the business.

Various lost jobs were listed on the WARN notice, including vice presidents, senior directors, engineers, accountants, administrators, janitors and chaplains.

Tyson stated last year that employees who would not move to Arkansas were eligible for severance which was determined individually.

In April, Tyson also made the decision to eliminate about 10% of corporate positions and 15% of senior leadership roles.