Nebraska Agencies Support Lexington Tyson Workers
LINCOLN, NE., December 2, 2025 – In Nebraska, all the moving parts to support the 3,200 workers and their families affected by the recently announced Tyson plant closure in Lexington are coming together quickly.
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen announced a collaboration between multiple agencies and community organizations to assist Lexington families impacted by the upcoming closure of Tyson’s meat processing facility.
Pillen said, “This holiday season will look different for these families, but we know that Nebraskans show up for each other. We are seeing that happen in Lexington.”
The departments of Labor (DOL), Health and Human Services (DHHS), Economic Development (DED), and Agriculture (NDA) are partnering with each other and with local Lexington organizations to connect Tyson’s workers and their families with various assistance programs and support.
On December 3 and 4, a Rapid Response layoff services event will be held for all Tyson workers at the Dawson County Fairgrounds. Agencies will cover resources such as unemployment insurance benefits, job search resources, and economic support programs.
Commissioner of Labor Katie Thurber said it is through community support that such large scale efforts have come together in such a short amount of time. She said Nebraska employers are also collaborating to host job fairs and those details will be coming soon.
In addition to efforts by state agencies, the Lexington Community Foundation has information about local organizations that are providing and accepting assistance to support workers.
The Department of Labor reminds workers to file an unemployment claim when their employment ends, not before. Individuals who quit their jobs due to an upcoming layoff are generally not eligible for unemployment benefits. DOL is providing reemployment services to impacted workers. Inquiries can be emailed to ndol.rapidresponse@nebraska.gov.
In addition to efforts by state agencies, the Lexington Community Foundation has information about local organizations that are providing and accepting assistance to support workers. Visit givebiglexington.org for information.
For more information on how to help support the community, call the Lexington Community Foundation at 308-324-6704.
Source: Western Ag Network
