Feds probe child labor at New Bedford seafood plants – The New Bedford Light

Investigation Launched into Child Labor Violations in New Bedford Seafood Processing Plants and Construction Companies

State and federal agencies have initiated a comprehensive investigation into potential labor law violations, including child labor, at multiple seafood processing plants and construction companies in New Bedford.

Seafood Processing Companies Under Investigation

The U.S. Department of Labor is currently investigating Atlantic Red Crab and Sea Watch International, two seafood processors in New Bedford. The federal agency is also looking into Workforce Unlimited and B.J.’s Service Company, staffing agencies that operate in New Bedford and Rhode Island and provide labor to certain host companies, including those in the seafood processing industry.

Construction Companies Under Investigation

The state attorney general is conducting an investigation into Kerrigan & Axon, a Falmouth-based construction company, and Pro-Line Co., a concrete contractor in New Bedford. The investigations are focused on possible violations of child labor laws, as well as minimum wage and overtime pay requirements.

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The investigations align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. SDG 8 aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. By addressing labor law violations, including child labor, these investigations contribute to the achievement of SDG 8.

Child Labor on the Rise

The investigations come at a time when child labor is increasing across the country. According to data from the U.S. Department of Labor, the number of children employed in violation of federal law has risen significantly since 2015. In July, the Labor Department announced a renewed focus on pursuing child labor cases, as inspectors had already discovered thousands of children working illegally since the beginning of the year.

Commitment to Protecting Vulnerable Workers

The U.S. Department of Labor is committed to enforcing labor laws in industries that often employ undocumented immigrants, who are vulnerable to exploitation and may be working with falsified paperwork. The agency recognizes the importance of combating illegal child labor and protecting the rights of workers in industries with a history of violations, such as seafood processing.

Working Conditions in Seafood Processing

Seafood processing and construction are known to be hazardous industries. In Massachusetts, there are strict guidelines regarding the employment of workers under the age of 18. Children under 16 are prohibited from working in construction, warehouses, freezers, or other industrial jobs involving heavy machinery. However, for children working in New Bedford, these rules are not always clear.

Kids at Work

Several children, who recently immigrated to the United States from Guatemala, have shared their experiences of working in New Bedford’s seafood plants. They describe working long hours, often in contact with dangerous machinery and chemicals. Many of these children have forged paperwork to appear older than 18 in order to work more hours and support their families.

Responsibility and Solutions

The investigations are not solely targeting the seafood companies but also staffing agencies that provide workers for low-wage jobs. Historically, staffing agencies have acted as a buffer, allowing companies to avoid responsibility for hiring undocumented workers or violating labor laws. However, industry leaders in New Bedford acknowledge the need for stronger vetting processes by staffing agencies and stricter enforcement of child labor laws.

Preventing Child Labor in Hazardous Industries

Some believe that stronger laws should be implemented to prevent children from working in dangerous industries like seafood processing. State representative Chris Hendricks is working on legislation to prohibit anyone under 18 from working in seafood processing plants. The goal is to protect young children from engaging in hazardous jobs.

Education and Awareness

New Bedford Public Schools have taken steps to address child labor issues by training teachers to identify signs of exploitation and educating students about their rights as workers. While it is important for young people to be aware of their rights, the ultimate goal is for them to be in school and not engaged in hazardous work.

Conclusion

The investigations into child labor and labor law violations in New Bedford’s seafood processing plants and construction companies highlight the importance of upholding labor laws and protecting vulnerable workers. By addressing these issues, the agencies involved are contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 8. Efforts to prevent child labor and improve working conditions in hazardous industries are crucial for creating a sustainable and inclusive economy.

Contact Information

If you have any information related to this investigation, please email reporter Will Sennott at wsennott@newbedfordlight.org.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. No Poverty

• Target 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women, and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions.
• Indicator 1.2.1: Proportion of population living below the national poverty line, by sex and age group.

4. Quality Education

• Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship.
• Indicator 4.4.1: Proportion of youth and adults with information and communications technology (ICT) skills, by type of skill.

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, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labor in all its forms.
• Indicator 8.7.1: Proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor, by sex and age group.

10. Reduced Inequalities

• Target 10.7: Facilitate orderly, safe, regular, and responsible migration and mobility of people, including through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies.
• Indicator 10.7.1: Recruitment cost borne by employee as a proportion of yearly income earned in country of destination.

16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

• Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
• Indicator 16.2.3: Proportion of young women and men aged 18-29 years who experienced sexual violence by age 18.

Analysis

1. The SDGs addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article are:
– SDG 1: No Poverty
– SDG 4: Quality Education
– SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
– SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
– SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

2. Specific targets under those SDGs based on the article’s content are:
– Target 1.2: Reduce the proportion of men, women, and children living in poverty.
– Target 4.4: Increase the number of youth and adults with relevant skills for employment.
– Target 8.7: Eradicate forced labor and end child labor.
– Target 10.7: Facilitate safe and responsible migration.
– Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and violence against children.

3. Indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets are:
– Indicator 1.2.1: Proportion of population living below the national poverty line.
– Indicator 4.4.1: Proportion of youth and adults with ICT skills.
– Indicator 8.7.1: Proportion and number of children engaged in child labor.
– Indicator 10.7.1: Recruitment cost borne by employee as a proportion of yearly income.
– Indicator 16.2.3: Proportion of young women and men who experienced sexual violence.

4. Table presenting the findings:

| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|———————————|——————————————————————————————-|————————————|
| 1. No Poverty | 1.2: Reduce the proportion of men, women, and children living in poverty | 1.2.1: Proportion of population living below the national poverty line |
| 4. Quality Education | 4.4: Increase the number of youth and adults with relevant skills for employment | 4.4.1: Proportion of youth and adults with ICT skills |
| 8. Decent Work and Economic Growth | 8.7: Eradicate forced labor and end child labor | 8.7.1: Proportion and number of children engaged in child labor |
| 10. Reduced Inequalities | 10.7: Facilitate safe and responsible migration | 10.7.1: Recruitment cost borne by employee as a proportion of yearly income |
| 16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions | 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and violence against children | 16.2.3: Proportion of young women and men who experienced sexual violence |

These findings demonstrate the relevance of the SDGs to the issues discussed in the article, as well as the specific targets and indicators that can be used to measure progress towards addressing these issues.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: newbedfordlight.org

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