New York CNN —
The Department of Labor is investigating meat and chicken processors Perdue and Tyson Foods following a New York Times magazine report of minors working at their facilities. Earlier this year, the federal government committed to ratcheting up efforts to root out child labor law violations.
“There are currently [Wage and Hour Division] investigations open at Perdue and Tyson Foods,” a Department of Labor spokesperson told CNN. “No additional details can be provided as the investigations are ongoing.”
Earlier this month, the Times Magazine published the story of a migrant child who was severely injured while working for a sanitation company contracted by a Perdue slaughterhouse in Virginia. The in-depth report mentioned several other underage migrant workers, including some who worked at Tyson facilities. The Times later reported that the companies were under investigation.
Perdue “[plans] to cooperate fully with any government inquiry on this matter,” company spokesperson Andrea Staub told CNN in response to a request for comment about the government investigation. “We are conducting a comprehensive third-party audit of child labor prevention and protection procedures including a compliance audit of contractors,” she said. Perdue will take “appropriate actions” based on the findings.
Perdue has “strict, longstanding policies in place for Perdue associates to prevent minors from working hazardous jobs in violation of the law,” Staub said in the statement. “...
The lawsuit alleges the CCRB’s online database, 50-a.org, unfairly harms officers by listing serious accusations including sexual misconduct, racial profiling and making false official statements ...