In a case involving the open disregard of child labor laws, the US Department of Labor (DOL) reports that Packers Sanitation Services Inc. (PSSI), based in southwestern Wisconsin, has been fined a token $1.5 million for illegally employing underage workers in the cleaning of meatpacking plants. The company, which subcontracts cleaning for major food processors, employed 102 children in hazardous jobs and working overnight shifts at 13 US meatpacking plants.
The DOL said last week that investigators found “that children were working with hazardous chemicals and cleaning meat processing equipment including back saws, brisket saws and head splitters. Investigators learned at least three minors suffered injuries while working for PSSI.”
Meatpacking is one of the most hazardous industries due to potential exposure to dangerous equipment and toxic chemicals, as well as slippery conditions.
The violations covered plants operated by some of the largest meatpacking companies, including JBS Foods, Tyson and Cargill. None of the meatpackers suffered fines or any sanctions from the Labor Department.
The report follows the revelation that suppliers for automaker Hyundai had employed immigrant children as young as age 12 to work in auto parts plants. According to the news agency Reuters, as many 10 auto parts plants had been investigated for potential violations.
A DOL press release about the PSSI investigation stated, “The child labor violations in this case were systemic and reached...
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