Labor Department Investigates Perdue Farms and Tyson Foods for Illegal Child Labor
The Labor Department has launched an investigation into Perdue Farms and Tyson Foods, two major poultry companies, following reports of illegal child labor. The investigation was prompted by an incident involving a 14-year-old boy, Marcos Cux, who suffered severe injuries while working at a Perdue slaughterhouse.
According to the reports, migrant children as young as 13 have been working overnight shifts at these poultry plants. They were allegedly performing tasks that are strictly prohibited for individuals under the age of 18. In fact, it is believed that middle and high school-aged children made up approximately one-third of the workforce during these overnight shifts.
The issue of child labor was not limited to Perdue Farms alone. Similar practices were discovered at a nearby Tyson-run plant as well. These revelations have shaken the poultry industry, raising concerns about the exploitation of young workers.
Perdue Farms has confirmed its awareness of the federal investigation and has expressed a commitment to fully cooperate. The company is also conducting a third-party audit of its child labor prevention and protection procedures. On the other hand, Tyson Foods stated that it was not aware of any investigation as of Monday afternoon and declined to comment.
This federal inquiry comes in response to the Biden administration’s pledge to crack down on illegal child labor in the country. Disturbingly, data from the Labor Department indicates that child labor violations have nearly quadrupled since 2015. These violations have had grave consequences, leading to increased injuries and even deaths in the workplace.
One notable case involved the death of 16-year-old Duvan Robert Tomas Perez at a poultry plant. Another tragic incident occurred when 16-year-old Gustavo Ramirez lost his life during construction work. These heartbreaking incidents highlight the urgent need for stricter enforcement and stronger measures to protect young workers.
As the Labor Department continues its investigation into Perdue Farms and Tyson Foods, it is hoped that this will serve as a wake-up call for the industry as a whole. Swift action must be taken to eliminate child labor and ensure the safety and wellbeing of all workers.
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