The book exposes how Tyson Foods, like many corporations reliant on immigrant labor, takes advantage of their employees' precarious legal situations and limited language skills. This vulnerability prevents workers from speaking out against unsafe working conditions, inadequate healthcare, and unfair treatment for fear of deportation or losing their livelihood.

Life and Death of the American Worker compels readers to confront the hidden costs of cheap meat production. The workers' stories expose the grueling conditions, relentless pressure, and long-term health impacts endured to keep supermarket shelves stocked. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlights their plight, forcing them to choose between their safety and providing for their families.

Despite facing immense challenges and systemic obstacles, the immigrant workers at Tyson Foods, inspired by their shared experiences and desire for change, find the courage to organize. The book documents their journey of uniting, raising their voices, and ultimately filing a lawsuit against the corporation, showing that even the most vulnerable can challenge injustice when they stand together.