Legal Commentary

Postville, IA Meatpacking Firm Charged With Child Labor Violations

By Jeralyn

Agriprocessers, the Postville, IA meatpacking firm that was subjected to ICE raids, has now been charged with child labor violations.

In all, 9,311 criminal misdemeanor charges involving 32 under-age workers were filed against the company, Agriprocessors Inc., and its owner, Aaron Rubashkin, and his son Sholom, who was the top manager of the packing plant in Postville, Iowa.

More....

The complaint charges that the plant employed workers under the legal age of 18, including seven who were under 16, from Sept. 9, 2007, to May 12. Some workers, including some younger than 16, worked on machinery prohibited for employees under 18, including “conveyor belts, meat grinders, circular saws, power washers and power shears,” said an affidavit filed with the complaint.

I was in the supermarket last week and about to buy kosher hot dogs. Because of Postville, and the allegations of mistreatment of immigrant workers, it occurred to me to flip the package over and see who made them. Every brand had been made by Agriprocessors. I didn't buy them.

Full post as published by TalkLeft on September 10, 2008 (boomark / email).