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Meatpacking Company to Pay $2 Million for Child Labor Violations
A Virginia-based meatpacking company will pay $2 million for illegally employing underage workers in Minnesota.
English
United States
Human Rights ViolationsUs PoliticsLabour MarketLegal ActionWorkplace SafetyChild LaborMinnesotaCompany Penalty
Smithfield Packaged Meats Corp.Minnesota Department Of Labor And IndustryTony Downs Food CompanyTurkey Valley Farms
Nicole Blissenbach
- Are there any other similar cases mentioned?
- Similar child labor violations have occurred at other companies, including Tony Downs Food Company and Turkey Valley Farms, leading to consent orders and legal action.
- What is significant about the penalty amount?
- The penalty is the largest ever recovered by Minnesota in a child labor enforcement action, highlighting the state's commitment to protecting child workers.
- What is the main issue discussed in the article?
- Smithfield Packaged Meats Corp. will pay a $2 million penalty to Minnesota for employing at least 11 minors in hazardous work at their St. James plant between 2021 and 2023.
- What was Smithfield's response to the accusations?
- Smithfield contested the claims, stating the minors used false IDs, and has since enhanced safeguards against underage labor; however, they settled to avoid prolonged litigation.
- What actions did Smithfield Packaged Meats Corp. take that led to the penalty?
- The minors, aged 14-17, performed hazardous tasks including operating machinery and working near chemicals, violating Minnesota's Child Labor Standards Act.