A lawsuit filed in 2022 resulted in the award of class-action status to Union employees of major meat packers. Workers alleged that their employers shared wage rates and manipulated compensation at 140 packing plants.
In the latest round of settlements, Cargill will pay $30 million, National Beef Packers, $14 million and Hormel Foods, $13 million. Previously Tyson Foods 
settled for $72 million and JBS, $55 million. Total settlements to date amount to $200 million.
In company statements, the defendants all denied wrongdoing and generally conceded that settlements were negotiated to avoid extended litigation costs and distractions.