A Place of Work Close to my Heart

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Of course when I was young and working in these chicken plants, I would not say that. It was hard, wet, cold work to say the least with long hours standing 10 hours at times in some hard conditions. Those country boys at the head of the line, often would not let you off the line to go to the bathroom. Brutal I must say, but the pay check was steady. Hard on the body and hands it was too. But out of all that, I met the most down to earth co workers in my life at that time. Of all nationalities too that was exceptional. We all worked together, side by side and no fussing. Good Salt of the Earth people. There were many injuries, some severe from the harsh conditions and temperatures when they would open the massive ovens too. And I did not escape injury myself on more than one occassion. Still, with the grace of God, I healed and carried on working. I also learned a lot of how to cut poultry and how to sharpen a mean knife. The immigration vans would pull up each day to pick up illegals too. It was an everyday thing. Well, this plant is not far at all from where I lived in Arkansas at the time. They are now closing it down to cut costs. I feel for the workers that have worked there since the 80s and will not now get their retirement they were counting on. Van Buren is a small quaint town with people that are the salt of the earth. I feel for them as there is really not much opportunity around there when you haven't the skills. And I just recalled a friend that I knew was working there, I wonder if he was still there now when this happened as that would be his retirement gone. Gary God Bless. Had you ever worked these plants, Tyson or otherwise, any manufacturing? I had worked at many different brands. This was before I was able to go to vo tech school.