U.S. Faces 88% Increase in Child Labor Violations in 2023

In Fiscal Year 2023, the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division reported a significant surge in child labor violations, uncovering nearly 5,800 minors employed illegally—a staggering 88% increase since 2019. These violations spanned various industries, notably meatpacking, fast food, and manufacturing, prompting urgent calls for corporate accountability and legislative reform.

The Department of Labor concluded 955 investigations during this period, revealing the widespread nature of these infractions. Among the most egregious cases was that of Packers Sanitation Services Inc. (PSSI), a major food sanitation company. PSSI was found to have employed over 100 minors, some as young as 13, in hazardous roles across 13 facilities in eight states. These children were tasked with cleaning dangerous equipment, including back saws and head splitters, and handling caustic chemicals during overnight shifts. The Department of Labor fined PSSI $1.5 million, assessing $15,138 for each minor employed in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). (washingtonpost.com)

Jessica Looman, principal deputy administrator of the Department's Wage and Hour Division, stated, "The child labor violations in this case were systemic and reached across eight states, and clearly indicate a corporate-wide failure by Packers Sanitation Services at all levels." (washingtonpost.com)

In response to the violations, major meat processors, including Cargill, Tyson Foods, and JBS, terminated contracts with PSSI at several plants. Cargill ended all 14 of its contracts with the company, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy for underage labor within its facilities or supplier network. (pbswisconsin.org)

Another significant case involved Perdue Farms and staffing agency Staff Management Solutions. Both companies faced allegations of employing children in hazardous roles at a Virginia chicken plant. They agreed to pay over $4 million to settle these allegations, with Perdue Farms facing a $150,000 civil penalty and Staff Management Solutions agreeing to pay $125,000. (apnews.com)

The surge in child labor violations has raised significant concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable populations, particularly undocumented migrant children. Many of these minors, some as young as 13, were found working overnight shifts in hazardous conditions, leading to injuries and educational disruptions. The systemic nature of these violations indicates a corporate-wide failure to adhere to labor laws designed to protect minors. (washingtonpost.com)

In response to the alarming increase in child labor violations, the Department of Labor launched a National Strategic Enforcement Initiative on Child Labor to address this critical issue. Additionally, bipartisan efforts have emerged in Congress to strengthen child labor laws. Senators Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) introduced the Preventing Child Labor Exploitation Act, aiming to address the rise in illegal child labor practices. (reuters.com)

The 88% increase in child labor violations since 2019 is unprecedented in recent history. While child labor violations have been on the rise since 2015, the sharp spike in Fiscal Year 2023 underscores the need for enhanced enforcement and stricter penalties to deter such practices. (washingtonpost.com)

The significant increase in child labor violations underscores the need for stringent enforcement of labor laws and corporate accountability. As legislative measures are proposed to combat this issue, the focus remains on protecting vulnerable minors from exploitation in the workforce.