OMAHA, Neb. – Next week, the first in a series of lawsuits brought against Nebraska meatpackers over employee pay will go to trial, according to The Associated Press. Nebraska Beef Ltd. in Omaha, Greater Omaha Packing Co. and Tyson Foods Inc., in separate lawsuits filed in US District Court, are accused of violating state and federal wage and labor laws for years.

On Monday, May 2, a trial will begin in the case against Nebraska Beef. Other trials are set for later dates, court records show.


The lawsuits charge production workers are paid only for time spent on the production line. The workers are seeking pay for time before and after assembly line work – which includes time spent putting on uniforms and safety gear, sanitizing equipment, sharpening knives and other duties.

The processing companies maintain that workers were paid appropriately.