Feds open investigation into major American chicken companies over use of child labor
The US Department of Labor is investigating child exploitation in the poultry industry, following a report by The New York Times about migrant children being hired by contractors. Two major poultry companies, Perdue Farms and Tyson Foods, are being investigated. The report highlighted children as young as 14 being hired for overnight cleaning staff roles, resulting in workplace accidents and injuries. The Department of Labor has reported a 69% increase in illegal child labor over the past five years. Perdue Farms has stated its cooperation with any federal investigation.
Source: Link
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the investigation about?
A: The investigation is about major American chicken companies illegally employing migrant children in hazardous jobs. [Source: Yahoo News]
Q: Which companies are being investigated?
A: The investigation is being conducted on contractors for Tyson Foods and Perdue Farms. [Source: Yahoo News]
Q: What is the penalty for employing child labor?
A: The penalties for employing child labor can include fines and legal consequences. For example, a food sanitation contractor paid $1.5 million in penalties for employing over 100 children illegally in hazardous jobs. [Source: U.S. Department of Labor]
Q: Is the government involved in the investigation?
A: Yes, the federal government is involved in the investigation of child labor violations in these major American chicken companies. [Source: Yahoo News]
Q: Are there any other industries affected by child labor?
A: Child labor is a concern in other industries as well. For example, there have been investigations into child labor in meatpacking plants and cleaning companies. [Source: NBC News, USA Today]
Q: What actions are being taken to address the issue of child labor?
A: The government has announced a crackdown on companies involved in child labor, and there are efforts in the U.S. Senate to bar child labor violators from certain federal contracts. [Source: Reuters]
Q: How many children have been identified as employed in violation of child labor laws?
A: An investigation identified 4,474 children employed in violation of federal child labor laws since the current fiscal year began. [Source: ABC News]
Q: What is the public response to child labor violations?
A: The rising number of child labor violations and exploitation has prompted public concern and calls for stricter regulations to protect children from these abuses. [Source: New York Times]