For very obvious reasons, the United States has strict laws on the books concerning labor, especially child labor. Laws of this nature are serious business and designed to protect workers of all ages.
Over the years, this nation has seen growing debates about employment, the treatment of workers, and whether or not current labor laws on the books are enough. Part of what’s fueling this debate is the shift away from more traditional employment to work models such as the gig economy, freelancing, and operating as independent contractors.
However, regarding child labor, most Americans can agree about the importance of said laws on the books. Unfortunately, one major business is now in serious hot water for allegedly violating child labor laws, according to The Guardian.
A Closer Look at the Situation
Packers Sanitation Services, based in Wisconsin, is currently facing accusations of having over 100 kids illegally perform child labor in meat slaughterhouses.
An investigation from the Department of Labor has led to the conclusion that kids between the ages of 13 and 17 were made to work overnight shifts, clean difficult materials, and work with chemicals that are dangerous.
Due to the Labor Department’s findings, Packers Sanitation Services has been hit with a $1.5 million legal fine with more legal challenges likely to materialize.
BREAKING: At least 102 children as young as 13 were found working overnight shifts, using hazardous chemicals, and cleaning brisket saws at 13 plants in eight states.
The U.S. Department of Labor has fined Packers Sanitation Services $1.5 million for these egregious violations.
— More Perfect Union (@MorePerfectUS) February 17, 2023
Based on the available information, kids were unlawfully working for this business in the following states: Colorado, Indiana, Arkansas, Nebraska, Minnesota, Kansas, Texas, and Tennessee.
It’s also come to light that children working in these meat slaughterhouses dealt with issues outside of it. Just some of these issues include falling asleep in classrooms and suffering chemical burns.
Concerning Updates About Child Labor Laws
As news about Packers Sanitation Services comes to light, so is more information about breaches of critical child labor laws.
During 2022’s fiscal year, reports documented a 37% uptick in child labor laws being broken nationwide. This amounts to at least hundreds of children across the country made to illegally work in places and manners they ought not to be.
The food sanitation company was employing children in the plants of well known companies like Tyson Food, Cargill, Turkey Valley Farms, and more. https://t.co/bpfX0BqfJ5 pic.twitter.com/7oM2kdKGuy
— More Perfect Union (@MorePerfectUS) February 17, 2023
Experts who oversee matters concerning child labor warn when these laws are broken, the welfare of minors is jeopardized. Businesses that opt to abuse child labor have also been described by these experts as greedy and dangerous.
Time will tell if violations of child labor laws rise or decline. However, this nation’s children deserve better than being put at risk in this manner.
Amid these latest developments, social media users have been blasting Packers Sanitation Services.
What do you think about the latest reports of labor law breaches in the United States, as they pertain to children? What do you believe should be done to ensure child labor laws are not violated going ahead? Please feel more than welcome to let us know in the comments area.
This article appeared in The Conservative Brief and has been published here with permission.
