OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The first in a series of lawsuits brought against Nebraska meatpackers over employee pay will go to trial next week.
In separate lawsuits filed in U.S. District Court, Nebraska Beef Ltd. in Omaha, Greater Omaha Packing Co. and Tyson Foods Inc. are accused of violating state and federal wage and labor laws for years.
Court records show a trial will begin Monday in the case against Nebraska Beef. Other trials are set for later.
The lawsuits say production workers are paid only for time spent on the actual production line. The workers are seeking pay for time before and after assembly line work — time spent putting on uniforms and safety gear, sanitizing equipment, sharpening knives and other duties.
The companies say in court filings that workers were paid appropriately.