Wis. Court Says Tyson Food Processors Entitled to Pay for Time Spent Donning Protective Clothing

MADISON, Wis. — A Wisconsin appellate court has ruled that employees of a Tyson (NYSE: TSN) meat processing plant are entitled to compensation for time spent donning and doffing sanitary and protective clothing.

The Court of Appeals, District IV, said Aug. 1 in reversing a trial court decision that the wearing of protective clothing is required by Tyson and that time spent putting it on and taking it off is “an integral part of a principal activity” as defined by the Department of Workforce Development regulations.

The court did not reach the issue of whether employees are entitled to compensation …