Child Labor

Tyson Foods’ Green Forest plant implicated in child labor investigation

by Kim Souza (ksouza@talkbusiness.net)

Springdale-based Tyson Foods and George’s Inc. were among the 13 companies found to have used Packer Sanitation Services who hired minority workers ages 13-17 working overnight shifts in plants around the country.

The U.S. Department of Labor said Packers Sanitation Services employed minors to work in meat packing plants on third-shift sanitation crews. The Labor Department found 102 children between the ages 13 and 17 working in hazardous occupations.

Tyson Foods plant in Green Forest is reported to have had 6 minors working, resulting in fines of $90,828 by the Labor Department against Packers Sanitation. Tyson’s plant in Goodlettsville, Tenn., was found to have one minor, and that penalty was $15,138. The investigation found Springdale-based George’s Inc. had four minors working its Batesville, Ark. plant. That penalty was $60,552.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/03/tyson-foods-green-forest-plant-implicated-in-child-labor-investigation/

Photo from the U.S. Department of Labor of a child working in a slaughterhouse.

Bill loosening child labor restrictions approved by Arkansas committee

KUAR | By Daniel Breen

Arkansas lawmakers have advanced a bill which would do away with work permits for minors under the age of 16.

House Bill 1410 would no longer require kids under 16 to provide proof of age, a description of their work schedule or parental consent to the state Department of Labor and Licensing in order to get a job.

The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Rebecca Burkes, R-Lowell, said the goal is to limit government involvement in families’ decisions. In a meeting of the House Public Health, Welfare and Labor committee on Tuesday, she reassured lawmakers the bill wouldn’t supersede any existing child labor regulations.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2023-02-21/bill-loosening-child-labor-restrictions-approved-by-arkansas-committee

Arkansas Legislature

Rep. Rebecca Burkes, R-Lowell, is joined by Arkansas Division of Labor Director Ralph Hudson in a meeting of the House Public Health, Welfare and Labor committee on Tuesday.