Federal judge hugs Tyson and lets them off the hook for harboring illegal aliens and depressing wages:

Tyson Foods illegal immigrant lawsuit thrown out
BILL POOVEY

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) – A federal judge threw out a long-running lawsuit that accused Tyson Foods, Inc., the world’s largest meat producer, of hiring illegal immigrants to depress wages.

U.S. District Judge Curtis L. Collier in a Wednesday order granted the Springdale, Ark.-based company’s motion for a summary judgment in the 2002 damage suit.

An attorney for Tyson, Roger Dickson of Chattanooga, said in a telephone interview that the company was happy with the ruling. He declined comment about any possible implications for other businesses that might face similar claims.

The attorney for four employees who sued, Howard Foster of Chicago, said when contacted by phone Wednesday that he did not have time to comment.

The lawsuit by Birda Trollinger, Robert Martinez, Tabetha Edding and Doris Jewell sought compensation, contending the company violated the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act by knowingly hiring illegal immigrants who were willing to work for wages below those acceptable to Americans.

The judge’s order said “plai.jpgfs failed to demonstrate Tyson was harboring or concealing illegal aliensâ€