The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is taking legal action against Fayette Janitorial Service LLC, seeking a court-ordered temporary restraining order and injunction over the company’s employment of minors. This janitorial service, involved in cleaning meat processing plants across Virginia and Iowa, reportedly had minors working overnight shifts, handling hazardous industrial cleaning chemicals and equipment such as head splitters and meat saws. With operations in roughly 30 states, the DOL’s investigation into Fayette is still underway, highlighting a broader concern over child labor practices in hazardous industries.
Child labor, especially in dangerous settings, continues to be a pressing issue in the U.S., underscored by recent tragic incidents and regulatory crackdowns. The Fair Labor Standards Act strictly limits minor employment in high-risk occupations, including most roles within meat and poultry processing facilities. Despite these regulations, violations persist, as evidenced by the death of 16-year-old Duvan Perez at a Mississippi poultry plant and another 16-year-old at a Wisconsin sawmill, both occurring in 2023.
These cases, along with a significant enforcement action against Packers Sanitation Services Inc. for employing minors in meat processing roles, underscore the persistent challenge of enforcing child labor laws. Meanwhile, legislative efforts in states like Iowa, Wisconsin, and Florida to relax child labor restrictions have sparked debate over the balance between workforce development and the protection of young workers.
The DOL’s aggressive stance against child labor violations, including its vow to leverage all legal avenues to protect workers and eradicate child labor, reflects a commitment to addressing these critical issues. Solicitor of Labor Seema Nanda emphasized the department’s dedication to using every legal resource available to combat child labor exploitation across the nation, underscoring the importance of safeguarding young workers from hazardous employment conditions.
