Child Labor Violations in the U.S. Spike to Highest Levels in Two Decades

Child labor violations in the United States have surged to their highest levels in nearly two decades, according to recent data from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). In fiscal year 2023, the DOL concluded 955 investigations that uncovered child labor violations, marking a 14% increase from the previous year. These investigations revealed that 5,792 minors were employed in violation of labor laws, an 88% increase since 2019. The DOL assessed over $8 million in penalties for these violations, reflecting an 83% increase from the prior year.

The rise in violations has been particularly pronounced in hazardous occupations. In fiscal year 2023, the DOL found 502 children employed in hazardous roles, such as meat processing plants and sawmills, where they were exposed to dangerous equipment and chemicals.

One notable case involved Perdue Farms, a major poultry processing company. In January 2025, Perdue agreed to pay over $4 million in restitution and penalties after the DOL found children working in hazardous roles at its Accomac, Virginia plant. The violations included minors using dangerous equipment such as electric knives and working beyond legally permitted hours. Perdue also agreed to implement enhanced compliance measures to prevent future violations.

Another significant case involved Packers Sanitation Services Inc. (PSSI), one of the largest cleaning services in the U.S. for food processing companies. In February 2023, PSSI was fined $1.5 million for employing more than 100 children in dangerous jobs across multiple states. The minors, some as young as 13, were found working overnight shifts cleaning hazardous equipment in meatpacking plants.

The DOL has intensified enforcement efforts in response to the increasing violations. Between October 1, 2022, and July 20, 2023, the department concluded 765 child labor cases, finding 4,474 children employed in violation of federal child labor laws and assessing employers with more than $6.6 million in penalties. These cases reflect a 44% increase in children found employed in violation of federal law and an 87% increase in penalties assessed from the same time period in the previous fiscal year.

The surge in violations has prompted legislative discussions at both federal and state levels. Some lawmakers have introduced bills to increase penalties for child labor violations, though these efforts have faced challenges. Conversely, certain states have introduced bills to relax child labor laws, raising concerns about potential increases in violations.

The rise in child labor violations has significant societal implications. Many of the minors involved are from economically disadvantaged backgrounds or are unaccompanied migrant children, making them particularly susceptible to exploitation. Children employed in hazardous occupations face serious health and safety risks, including exposure to dangerous equipment and chemicals. Illegal employment can also interfere with minors' education, limiting their future opportunities and perpetuating cycles of poverty.

The DOL continues to prioritize protecting children and currently has over 1,000 open child labor investigations. The department has also established an interagency task force to combat exploitative child labor through new partnerships and innovative tactics. These efforts aim to prevent and address illegal child labor, ensuring the safety and well-being of minors in the workforce.

The recent surge in child labor violations underscores the need for continued vigilance and enforcement to protect vulnerable minors from exploitative and hazardous work conditions. It also highlights the importance of legislative and policy measures to strengthen child labor protections and ensure compliance with labor laws.