Associated Press

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee -- A federal judge granted class-action status to a lawsuit that contends Tyson Foods Inc. (TSN), the world's largest meat producer, depressed wages by hiring illegal immigrants at eight plants in Tennessee, Alabama, Indiana, Missouri, Texas and Virginia.

Howard W. Foster of Chicago, an attorney for Tyson employees, described the ruling as a "very big step." It allows him to seek damages for thousands of workers at the eight plants instead of just the four original plaintiffs.

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