Minnesota meatpacking company to pay penalty, lose ability to ship products for child labor law violations
Minnesota meatpacking company to pay penalty, lose ability to ship products for child labor law violations CBS News
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Southwestern Minnesota Meatpacking Company Violates Child Labor Laws
Introduction
A southwestern Minnesota meatpacking and food processing company has been found guilty of violating federal child labor laws. Monogram Meat Snacks LLC, a subsidiary of a Tennessee-based company, has agreed to pay a monetary penalty for its actions.
Details of the Violation
The U.S. Department of Labor conducted an investigation which revealed that Monogram Meat Snacks LLC hired at least 11 teenagers, with nine of them operating hazardous machinery at its facility in Chandler. The company will pay $140,164 in civil money penalties as a result of these violations.
Impact on Sustainable Development Goals
This violation of child labor laws goes against the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. SDG 8 aims to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment, and decent work for all. By employing underage workers and exposing them to hazardous conditions, Monogram Meat Snacks LLC has failed to contribute to this goal.
Consequences for Monogram Meat Snacks LLC
As a result of the investigation, Monogram Meat Snacks LLC is now prohibited from shipping its products, including beef jerky, cheese, and sausage. This prohibition is in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act’s “hot goods” provision. The duration of this prohibition order is currently unknown.
Rising Issue of Child Labor
The Department of Labor has reported a 69% increase in the illegal employment of children since 2018. This alarming trend highlights the need for stricter enforcement of child labor laws and greater awareness of the SDGs.
Legislative Actions
In response to this issue, Democratic U.S. lawmakers have introduced the Child Labor Exploitation Accountability Act. This bill aims to prevent companies with a history of labor law violations from securing contracts with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It also requires companies competing for USDA contracts to disclose any violations that occurred in the previous three years.
About Monogram Meat Snacks LLC
Monogram Meat Snacks LLC is a subsidiary of a Tennessee-based company. It specializes in meatpacking and food processing, producing products such as beef jerky, cheese, and sausage.
Conclusion
The violation of child labor laws by Monogram Meat Snacks LLC is a concerning issue that undermines the efforts towards achieving the SDGs. It is crucial for companies to prioritize the well-being and rights of children, as outlined in SDG 8. Stricter enforcement of labor laws and increased awareness of the SDGs are necessary to combat this problem.
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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 4: Quality Education
The article discusses a meatpacking and food processing company that violated federal child labor laws by hiring teenagers to operate hazardous machinery. This issue is connected to SDG 8, which focuses on promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment, and decent work for all. It is also connected to SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- 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.
- Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles.
The article highlights the violation of child labor laws by hiring teenagers to operate hazardous machinery. This violates Target 8.7 under SDG 8, which aims to eradicate child labor. Additionally, promoting quality education and ensuring that learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed for sustainable development aligns with Target 4.7 under SDG 4.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 8.7.1: Proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor, by sex and age group.
- Indicator 4.7.1: Extent to which (i) global citizenship education and (ii) education for sustainable development are mainstreamed in (a) national education policies; (b) curricula; (c) teacher education; and (d) student assessment.
The article mentions that there has been a 69% increase in the illegal employment of children since 2018. This can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards Target 8.7, specifically Indicator 8.7.1. Additionally, the article highlights the introduction of a bill that aims to ensure companies with labor law violations are held accountable. This can be seen as a step towards mainstreaming education for sustainable development and global citizenship, which aligns with Indicator 4.7.1.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| 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. |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles. | Indicator 4.7.1: Extent to which (i) global citizenship education and (ii) education for sustainable development are mainstreamed in (a) national education policies; (b) curricula; (c) teacher education; and (d) student assessment. |
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Source: cbsnews.com
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