PERRY, Iowa — Hundreds of the near-1,300 Tyson Foods employees that will be impacted by the pork plant closure in Perry in June attended the city's first job fair Wednesday.
The job fair is a first of three city officials plan to schedule in response to the Arkansas-based company's plant closure.
Dozens of local employers, like Dallas County Hospital and Hy-Vee, provided attendees with pamphlets and gifts to make the environment more comfortable for those who are already vulnerable.
"Them knowing that we're listening, and that we're trying to help. I think that steadiness and that openness, you know, is what they're going to need," said Tom Harmsen, Dallas County Hospital public relations director.
Tyson Foods is the largest employer in the city, and its closure has already had noticeable effects across the employer grid.
AccuJet Sewer and Drain Cleaning general manager Shannon Barnes said they made a listing on Indeed last year for an open position at their municipal company but only received one response. Over the past two days, they've received 30 — half of which are Tyson employees.
Employers told Local 5 they'll be at these job fairs to be a support system for Tyson employees "so they know that people are behind them," along with assisting the workers on their job hunt.
City officials told Local 5 the next job fair will be in May, but no specific day has been finalized.
The IowaWORKS team will be located near the front gate of the Tyson Foods pork rendering plant in Perry to assist employees on next career moves this week.
- Thursday, April 4, 12-4 p.m.
- Friday, April 5, 12-4 p.m.
After this week, the IowaWORKS team will be there every week until the plant closes on the following days.
- Wednesdays from 12-6 p.m.
- Thursday and Fridays from 12-4 p.m.