14-year-old kids were found working dangerous late-night shifts and now this company faces the largest child labor fine in Minnesota history.
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ST. PAUL, MN
– Smithfield Foods, a major meat processor in
Minnesota
, has agreed to pay $2 million to settle allegations of child labor violations at its facility in St. James, Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) announced the penalty on Thursday after uncovering minors as young as 14 performing hazardous tasks over a two-year period. This fine marks the largest child labor penalty in the state’s history.
Violations Uncovered in Minnesota Plant
The investigation by the Minnesota DLI revealed that between April 13, 2021, and April 13, 2023, Smithfield employed at least 11 children aged 14 to 17 at its St. James facility. Officials noted that nine of the children worked hours prohibited by state law, including shifts past 9 p.m. for those under 16 and after 11 p.m. on school nights for those aged 16 and 17.
According to investigators, the children performed dangerous tasks, including operating power-driven machinery such as meat grinders and conveyor belts, working near hazardous chemicals, and using motorized pallet jacks. These violations prompted sharp criticism from labor officials.
“It is unacceptable for a company to employ minor children to perform hazardous work late at night. This illegal behavior impacts children’s health, safety and well-being and their ability to focus on their education and their future. Combatting unlawful child labor in Minnesota is a priority for DLI and it will continue to devote resources to addressing and resolving these violations,” said DLI Commissioner Nicole Blissenbach in a statement.
Smithfield Denies Knowing Employment of Minors
In response to the allegations, Smithfield Foods denied knowingly employing minors at its facility. The company stated that it relied on the federal E-Verify system, which the underage workers allegedly bypassed by using false identification.
“Smithfield contested DLI’s claims and denies that we knowingly hired anyone under the age of 18 to work in our St. James facility,” the company said in a statement.
“Each of the 11 alleged underage individuals passed the E-Verify system by using false identification. Each used a different name to obtain employment with Smithfield than the name by which DLI identified them to Smithfield.”
Despite its denial, Smithfield agreed to a consent order that includes paying the $2 million penalty and implementing measures to prevent future violations. These steps include contractually requiring its staffing agencies and sanitation contractors to comply with child labor laws.
Minnesota’s Largest Child Labor Penalty
The $2 million fine represents the largest administrative penalty for child labor violations in Minnesota history. Labor officials say the penalty reflects the seriousness of the violations and is a warning to employers in the meatpacking industry and beyond.
Under the consent order, Smithfield is required to ensure full compliance with state labor laws, particularly those protecting minors. Officials hope this resolution will reinforce accountability and deter similar violations in high-risk industries.
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