Company fined $650K for hiring children to clean meatpacking plants

Tenn. company fined for hiring dozens of kids to clean slaughterhouses  The Washington Post

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May 9, 2024 - 20:30
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Company fined $650K for hiring children to clean meatpacking plants

Company fined $650K for hiring children to clean meatpacking plants

Investigation Reveals Child Labor in Meat-Processing Facilities

Introduction

As an investigator watched cleaners walk into a pork processing plant, she noticed something unusual: A few carried “pink and purple sparkly backpacks” as they entered the Sioux City, Iowa, facility around 11 p.m.

Child Labor Uncovered

That observation became evidence in a probe that now has led a Tennessee-based sanitation company to agree to pay nearly $650,000 in fines for hiring at least two dozen children to work overnight in slaughterhouses and meatpacking facilities. In at least one case, a child was seriously injured.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. Goal 1: No Poverty
  2. Goal 4: Quality Education
  3. Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
  4. Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
  5. Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Conclusion

This investigation highlights the urgent need to address child labor in the meat-processing industry. It is essential to align efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to eradicate poverty, ensure quality education, promote decent work and economic growth, reduce inequalities, and establish peace, justice, and strong institutions. By implementing stricter regulations and holding companies accountable, we can create a more sustainable and equitable future.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs Targets Indicators
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor Indicator 8.7.1: Proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor, by sex and age group

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The SDG addressed in the article is SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. This goal focuses on promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

The specific target under SDG 8 that can be identified based on the article’s content is Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article mentions the hiring of at least two dozen children to work overnight in slaughterhouses and meatpacking facilities, with at least one child being seriously injured. This implies the existence of child labor in these industries, which can be measured using Indicator 8.7.1: Proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor, by sex and age group.

Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.

Fuente: washingtonpost.com

 

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