By Brian Lazenby
An economist testified in federal court today that the practice of hiring undocumented workers at eight Tyson Foods plants allowed the company to pay wages far below what other companies paid unskilled workers.
The testimony came during a hearing in a class-action civil lawsuit in which workers at Tyson plants are seeking damages for depressed wages that could top $25 million, according to a report compiled by economist George Borjas.
Tyson attorneys contend there are problems with the data and are seeking to have Dr. Borjas’ testimony excluded from the trial, which is scheduled for March 3, 2008.
Chief U.S. District Court Judge Curtis Collier could rule on the issue as early as Thursday, when the hearing is expected to conclude.
E-mail Brian Lazenby at blazenby@timesfreepress.com