Intake open · closes August 31, 2026
Poultry plant wage suppression settlement, who can still participate
Last checked August 30, 2026
Hourly workers at poultry plants sued Perdue, Tyson, Pilgrim's Pride, Sanderson Farms, Wayne Farms and other processors, saying the companies traded wage information and held down pay across the industry. The case is Jien v. Perdue Farms. The defendants settled for a combined $398.05 million without a trial.
The settlement administrator is still taking participation forms. The court extended the participation period to August 31, 2026, and the first round of payments started going out on May 15, 2026. If you worked an hourly, non-supervisory job at a covered plant, hatchery or feed mill between January 1, 2000 and July 20, 2021, you can still send in a form.
What the workers alleged
The complaint said the poultry companies shared compensation data with each other, then used that data to keep hourly wages and benefits lower than they would have been if the plants competed for labor. The named plaintiff filed on behalf of production and maintenance workers nationwide. The companies denied the claims and agreed to pay to end the case.
Where it stands
Settled and paying. Checks from the first distribution began on May 15, 2026. Because many eligible workers had not yet come forward, the participation window was pushed out to August 31, 2026. A form postmarked or submitted after that date is late.
Who is covered
- Non-supervisory hourly employees at a poultry processing complex, plant, hatchery or feed mill run by one of the defendant companies.
- Employment at any point between January 1, 2000 and July 20, 2021.
- A copy of a photo ID (driver's license or employee badge) or one paycheck or paystub from that job.
What happens after you send the form
The administrator at poultrywages.com checks your form against company payroll records, confirms your dates of employment, and calculates a pro rata share based on how long you worked and what you earned. Payment timing and the amount are set by the administrator under the court-approved terms. Nobody at Payout or anywhere else can promise a number.
You send the form directly to the administrator for free. Payout lists the case as a free reminder and takes nothing from any payment.
Questions about the Poultry Wages case
Do I need a paystub from 20 years ago?
No. One paystub or paycheck from any point in your employment works, and a copy of a photo ID is accepted instead.
I already got a check in May. Do I need to do anything?
No. That payment came from the first distribution. The extended window is for workers who never sent a participation form.
Is Jien v. Perdue Farms a class action?
Yes. The $398.05 million settlement covers the class of hourly poultry workers, and each participant's share is pro rata.
Does it cost anything to participate?
No. Participation is free at poultrywages.com, and no service is allowed to charge you to submit the form.
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