GRAPHIC: Tyson Foods under investigation for employing minors amid surge in US child labor violations – The Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting

Tyson Foods Under Investigation for Employing Minors

Tyson Foods is currently under investigation by the Department of Labor (DOL) for employing minors at two of its poultry processing plants in Arkansas. This investigation is occurring amidst a significant increase in child labor law violations over the past decade, according to DOL data.

The number of child labor law violations has risen by 35% in the last ten years. During this same period, the DOL has tripled the amount of monetary fines issued to companies under investigation.

Investigation of Tyson Foods Plants

Recently unsealed federal court records reveal that DOL investigators have been conducting inquiries into Tyson Foods plants located in Green Forest and Rogers, Arkansas. These investigations involve the alleged employment of minors who are believed to be under the age of 16. Inspector records include photographs capturing the entrance and exit of individuals who are suspected to be underage workers at Tyson plants.

Widespread Issue in the Meatpacking Industry

Meatpacking plants across the country have faced investigations for illegally employing minors in recent years. In 2022, the DOL fined a sanitation company over a million dollars for employing more than 100 children, some as young as 13 years old, to clean meatpacking facilities at Tyson, JBS, Cargill, and other plants across eight states.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. Goal 4: Quality Education
2. Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
3. Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Conclusion

The investigation into Tyson Foods’ employment of minors highlights the ongoing issue of child labor law violations in the meatpacking industry. It is crucial for companies to prioritize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined by the United Nations, particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education), Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), in order to ensure the protection and well-being of young workers.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The article discusses child labor law violations and the investigation of Tyson Foods for employing minors at its poultry processing plants. These issues are directly connected to SDG 8, which aims to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment, and decent work for all. Additionally, the article mentions the Department of Labor’s investigation, which falls under SDG 16, which focuses on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, providing access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.

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

• SDG 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.
• SDG 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

The article highlights the issue of child labor law violations, which aligns with SDG 8.7, specifically targeting the eradication of the worst forms of child labor. Additionally, the Department of Labor’s investigation and potential legal actions relate to SDG 16.3, which aims to promote the rule of law and ensure equal access to justice.

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

• Number of child labor law violations
• Amount of monetary fines issued by the Department of Labor
• Investigation records and evidence (e.g., photographs of alleged minors entering and exiting Tyson plants)

The article mentions that the number of child labor law violations has increased by 35% in the last decade, indicating a potential indicator to measure progress towards eradicating the worst forms of child labor (SDG 8.7). The article also states that the Department of Labor has tripled the amount of monetary fines issued to companies under investigation, which can serve as an indicator of efforts to enforce labor laws and hold companies accountable. Additionally, the investigation records and evidence, such as photographs of alleged minors entering and exiting Tyson plants, can be used as indicators of potential violations and progress in addressing the issue.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: investigatemidwest.org