U.S. Department of Labor Reaches Agreement with Meat Processor to Address Child Labor

The U.S. Department of Labor has finalized an agreement with JBS USA Food Co., the country’s largest meat packing processor, to provide $4 million in aid to individuals and communities affected by child labor violations. The deal, announced on January 13, 2025, focuses on holding the company and its contractors accountable while funding initiatives to combat unlawful youth employment practices.

The agreement stems from investigations into illegal child labor at JBS facilities and those of its third-party contractors. It includes measures to prevent future violations, such as hiring a child labor compliance specialist, conducting unannounced audits, and enforcing a zero-tolerance policy for third-party contractors found in breach of labor laws. JBS is also required to create public awareness campaigns in Alabama, Colorado, Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska.

In addition to regulatory compliance measures, the company’s $4 million fund will support victims of child labor and community-based initiatives. These funds will be directed toward scholarships, stipends, educational aid, and programs such as job training, housing assistance, and ESL teaching positions in areas most impacted by violations.

The Labor Department’s investigations since 2022 revealed the employment of children in hazardous jobs and overnight shifts at JBS facilities in multiple states. The department has prioritized protecting children from such exploitation and reported over 4,000 cases of child labor law violations in fiscal year 2024. It is currently pursuing more than 1,000 open investigations nationwide.

JBS’s measures will also include hosting industry-wide symposiums on preventing illegal child labor and providing training for all JBS employees and third-party contractors. The company, which employs over 37,000 workers across its U.S. facilities, has also pledged to enforce stricter oversight of its supply chain to prevent recurrence of violations.

Headquartered in Greeley, Colorado, JBS USA Food Co. is a key player in the global meat industry. It operates nine beef processing facilities and five pork processing facilities in the U.S., with products distributed under brands like Pilgrim’s and Swift.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors.

---