GREELEY, Colo., Oct. 9, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- JBS USA, a leading animal protein processor with more than 60,000 employees in the U.S., today voluntarily entered into an agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to strengthen the company's legal workforce. The Mutual Agreement between Government and Employers (IMAGE) program assists employers in developing policies to reduce immigration compliance vulnerabilities, including fraudulent document use and identity theft.
Don Jackson, President and CEO, JBS USA Holdings, and John Morton, Director, U.S. ICE, jointly signed the IMAGE agreement today at ICE Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
The event signifies the exceptional progress the company has made toward combatting the efforts of undocumented workers to obtain employment through fraudulent means, while ensuring legal and stable employment opportunities for thousands of American employees.
"Today is an exciting day for JBS and serves as recognition of the considerable time, effort and financial resources we have invested in creating a top-flight workforce compliance culture," stated Don Jackson, President and CEO, JBS USA Holdings. "It is also a testament to the tremendous commitment of our 65,000 employees, without whom this opportunity would not have been possible. Through our voluntary partnership with the government, it is my expectation that we will continue to raise the bar for compliance in our industry and beyond, and remain worthy of the status that IMAGE partnership confers."
JBS, through its certification into the IMAGE program, publicly demonstrates its commitment to meeting and exceeding best industry practices for workforce compliance, while providing equal employment opportunities to eligible employees without regard to race or ethnic origin. The IMAGE program is an excellent example of a public-private partnership that, through government commitment and industry participation, will help strengthen the American workforce.
About IMAGE
IMAGE offers a formal membership certification program, which focuses on exceptional employers that have the ability to effect change within their industry or region. These employers also serve as an example and role model in the business community while highlighting the importance and viability of immigration compliance. Program participants will be deemed IMAGE certified upon enrollment and completion of IMAGE membership requirements.
For more information visit www.ice.gov/image/
About JBS USA
JBS USA, an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of JBS S.A., the world's largest protein company, is a leading processor of beef, pork and lamb, with more than 60,000 employees in the U.S. JBS USA processes, prepares, packages and delivers fresh, further processed and value-added beef and pork products for sale to customers in more than 60 countries on five continents. JBS USA is also a majority shareholder of Pilgrim's Pride Corporation (NYSE:PPC), the second largest poultry company in the U.S.
In the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, JBS USA and Pilgrim's Pride conduct operations through eight beef processing plants, three pork processing plants, 31 poultry processing plants, 31 poultry hatcheries, one lamb processing plant, one value-added beef and pork facility, one hide tannery, 30 distribution centers, one grease producing facility, and 12 feedlots operated by JBS Five Rivers Cattle Feeding.
For more information visit www.jbssa.com.