Child Labor Violations Surge by 88% in the United States

Recent reports from the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Inspector General reveal a significant increase in child labor violations across the United States. Between fiscal years 2019 and 2023, the number of minors employed in violation of child labor laws rose by 88%, escalating from 3,073 to 5,792. Additionally, the total number of child labor law violations increased by 103% during the same period, climbing from 3,748 to 7,624.

In fiscal year 2023 alone, the Department of Labor concluded 955 investigations that uncovered child labor violations, marking a 14% increase from the previous year. These investigations revealed nearly 5,800 children employed in violation of the law, an 88% increase since 2019, and resulted in more than $8 million in assessed penalties.

One notable case involved Packers Sanitation Services Inc. (PSSI), a major food sanitation company. In February 2023, the U.S. Department of Labor fined PSSI over $1.5 million for employing more than 100 children, aged 13 to 17, in hazardous roles at 13 meatpacking plants across eight states. These minors were found working with dangerous chemicals and cleaning meat processing equipment during overnight shifts. The fine was calculated at $15,138 per underage worker, the maximum penalty allowed under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

The Department of Labor's investigation into PSSI began in August 2022, revealing that the company employed at least 31 children in hazardous occupations at JBS USA plants in Grand Island, Nebraska, and Worthington, Minnesota, as well as at Turkey Valley Farms in Marshall, Minnesota. Some minors suffered injuries, including chemical burns. The department alleged that PSSI interfered with the investigation by intimidating minor workers and manipulating employment files.

The surge in child labor violations has raised concerns about the enforcement of labor laws and the protection of minors in the workforce. The Department of Labor has initiated efforts to address these issues, including forming an interagency task force to combat child labor exploitation and launching a National Child Labor Strategic Enforcement Initiative.

However, challenges remain, as some states have recently passed laws that reduce child labor protections, potentially complicating federal enforcement efforts. For example, Arkansas and Iowa have enacted legislation that weakens state child labor protections, and similar bills have been introduced in other states.

The increase in child labor violations has significant social implications, including potential harm to minors' health, education, and overall well-being. The employment of children in hazardous conditions not only violates legal standards but also raises ethical concerns about corporate responsibility and the effectiveness of regulatory enforcement.

The Department of Labor continues to monitor and address these violations, emphasizing the importance of protecting young workers and ensuring their safety in the workplace.