A major labor disruption looms for Clemens Food Group in Coldwater, Michigan, as approximately 400 Haitian employees could lose their legal work status following the Trump administration’s decision to revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians. The policy change, set to take effect in August, threatens the stability of operations at Clemens’ pork processing plant and adds uncertainty to the company’s planned $150 million expansion.
Workforce Uncertainty Puts Production at Risk
General Manager Joe Hughes acknowledged the serious impact of the potential workforce reduction, stating that losing such a large portion of their employees would significantly disrupt operations.
“These are people actually doing the day-to-day work,” Hughes said. “If team members don’t show up, the product doesn’t get made. Customers don’t get their product.”
With production output tied directly to labor availability, the loss of these workers would not only slow processing at one of Michigan’s key pork plants but could also lead to supply chain issues for customers relying on Clemens’ products.
Expansion Plans in Question
Clemens had planned to add 400 new jobs by fall 2026 as part of a major expansion at the Coldwater facility. However, with the potential loss of its current Haitian workforce, the company faces an uphill battle to maintain production levels while growing its operations.
Despite these challenges, Hughes reassured that Clemens remains committed to its long-term vision for the plant, though short-term labor shortages could pose difficulties.
Haitian Workers in Limbo
Many Haitian immigrants received TPS designation following the 2010 earthquake that devastated their country. Continued political instability—including the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021—has made returning to Haiti dangerous for many TPS holders.
With TPS set to expire, affected workers in Coldwater are seeking legal options to maintain their employment. The Michigan Immigrant Rights Center (MIRC) recently held an informational session to advise them on their legal rights, emphasizing the importance of seeking legal counsel and understanding their protections under the law.
The Pork Industry’s Labor Challenge
This development highlights a wider issue in the U.S. pork processing industry—ongoing labor shortages and reliance on immigrant workers to sustain production. The loss of TPS workers could force Clemens and other processors to seek alternative labor sources, increase automation, or face slowdowns that could ripple through the supply chain.
As the August deadline approaches, all eyes will be on how Clemens Food Group and other affected plants navigate these challenges in an already strained labor market.
For more pork industry news, visit SwineWeb.com.
