Department of Labor Secures Settlement with Poultry Processor Following Investigation into Child Labor Violations
Washington D.C. – July 28, 2025 – The U.S. Department of Labor announced today that it has reached a significant settlement with a poultry processing company after a federal investigation uncovered violations of child labor laws. The investigation, conducted by the Wage and Hour Division (WHD), found evidence of minors being employed in hazardous occupations within the company’s facilities, posing serious risks to their safety and well-being.
The settlement, reached on July 28, 2025, aims to address the findings of the investigation and ensure future compliance with federal labor standards designed to protect young workers. While specific details of the settlement are confidential at this time, it is understood to include financial penalties and commitments from the company to implement robust measures to prevent future occurrences of illegal child labor.
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the U.S. Department of Labor has stringent regulations in place regarding the employment of minors, particularly in industries like poultry processing, which are designated as hazardous. These regulations are designed to safeguard children from work that could be detrimental to their physical and mental health, as well as their educational development. Hazardous occupations typically involve operating dangerous machinery, working with chemicals, or engaging in tasks that expose young workers to significant risks.
The Department of Labor’s investigation was initiated following concerns raised about potential violations. WHD investigators meticulously reviewed employment records, conducted interviews, and examined working conditions at the facility. The findings confirmed that the company had employed children in roles that are explicitly prohibited for minors due to their inherent dangers.
“The Department of Labor is unwavering in its commitment to protecting vulnerable young workers and upholding the integrity of our labor laws,” stated a WHD spokesperson. “Our investigation found that this poultry processing company unfortunately placed children in harm’s way by employing them in hazardous occupations. This settlement underscores our dedication to holding employers accountable and ensuring that all workers, especially our youth, are provided with a safe and lawful working environment.”
The settlement represents a crucial step in reinforcing the Department’s ongoing efforts to combat child labor across all sectors of the economy. The WHD regularly conducts outreach and enforcement activities to educate employers about their responsibilities and to investigate complaints of illegal child labor. The department encourages anyone with information about potential child labor violations to contact the Wage and Hour Division directly.
This resolution serves as a strong reminder to employers nationwide of the critical importance of adhering to all provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act, particularly those pertaining to the employment of minors. The Department of Labor remains vigilant in its mission to ensure fair labor practices and a safe environment for all American workers.
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DOL News Releases and Briefs published ‘Department of Labor reaches settlement with poultry processor after federal investigation finds children working in hazardous occupations’ at 2025-07-28 12:00. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.