Workers at beef and pork processing plants may qualify for payments from a group of proposed settlements totaling $202.8 million. The case alleges that companies agreed to keep wages low. The settling companies deny wrongdoing, and the court has not decided who is right.

Who may qualify

The main group generally includes people who worked at a defendant’s beef or pork processing plant in the United States from January 1, 2000 through February 27, 2024. A worker did not have to remain employed for that entire period.

A smaller subgroup covers workers whose employment fell between January 1, 2014 and February 27, 2024. Members of that subgroup may qualify for a share of the main settlements and an additional share from two other settlements.

The official notice lists the companies covered by the case. Workers who are uncertain about their employer or worksite can use the official settlement website’s lookup tools or contact the administrator.

How payments work

The notice does not promise a fixed payment. Money will be divided proportionally. The amount for each eligible worker depends on factors including work time, earnings, the number of participating workers, and deductions approved by the court.

The $202.8 million total includes $191.55 million tied to the main group and another $11.25 million tied to the later-period subgroup. Attorneys’ fees, case expenses, administration costs, and possible awards to the class representatives would be deducted before payments. Payments will be treated as wages and may have payroll taxes withheld.

Payment cannot occur until the court approves the settlements and any appeals are finished.

Who needs a participation form

Workers who received a postcard or email notice generally do not need to file a participation form to receive money. They should still review and update their contact, employment, and earnings information through the official settlement website.

Workers who did not receive a postcard or email notice must submit a participation form online or by mail. The form must be submitted online or postmarked by March 26, 2027. Approval is required before an unnotified worker can receive payment.

The administrator may ask any class member or applicant for additional documents. Failing to provide requested material may prevent participation, so the documentation question can differ from person to person.

September deadlines and court hearing

September 29, 2026 is the deadline to mail an objection or a request to leave one or more settlements. Leaving a settlement means giving up payment from that settlement while keeping the ability to pursue claims against that defendant separately. An objection keeps the worker in the settlement but asks the court not to approve some part of it.

The approval hearing is scheduled for November 13, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. in the federal courthouse in Denver. Attendance is optional. The judge may change the date or time, so workers should check the official settlement website for current information.

What remains unresolved

The notice says the case will continue against Smithfield Foods, Inc. and Smithfield Packaged Meats Corporation. It also describes non-cash terms: Agri Stats agreed to remove certain information from pork-processing reports and make other changes, while several defendants agreed to cooperate with the case.

Workers should use BeefPorkWages.com for the participation form, employer and worksite lookup tools, the complete notice, and any scheduling updates.