Labor Department reaches deal with PSSI
on allegations of school-aged workers
Less than a month ago, the U.S. Department of Labor dropped a bombshell: It alleged Packers Sanitation Services Inc. — a company that cleans meatpacking plants, an important cog in the food system — used child labor.
The DOL found at least 31 school-aged teenagers working overnight shifts at three Midwestern plants. The DOL also alleged the company attempted to "thwart" its investigation by preventing it from taking pictures of PSSI employees.
The company said "rogue individuals" could get themselves hired by engaging in fraud but that it was "confident" in its "strict compliance policies."
This week, though, the matter reached a conclusion. On Tuesday, PSSI agreed to a consent decree in which it promised not to hire children, to "review and enhance" its policies for screening out children and to provide more training on the issue to its workforce.
Also, over the next three years, a specialist will monitor PSSI's compliance with child labor laws and report any issues, according to the decree. The government agreed not to sue if, during those three years, the company corrects any identified child-labor violations within 10 days.
— Sky Chadde, assistant editor/senior reporter
Previous story: 5 things to know about the new DOL complaint about child labor in meatpacking plants
In November, the U.S. Department of Labor filed a complaint against PSSI for allegedly employing minors, some of whom suffered chemical burns from the cleaning supplies. Here are the five things to know about PSSI and the complaint, summarized by assistant editor/senior reporter Sky Chadde.
Year-end campaign keeps up momentum
Hello friends of Investigate Midwest!
We want to quickly give you an update on the year-end campaign as well as extend our appreciation for your ongoing support.
First, as of this week, the year-end campaign total is $13,158.86 from more than 130 individuals. Investigate Midwest is so fortunate to be part of NewsMatch, a national giving program that matches individual donations up to $1,000. The match goal is $15,000 — but we don't plan to stop there.
The journalism we strive for requires time and our dedicated reporters and editors. Every dollar given goes to support accountability journalism covering agribusiness.
Also, at a time when many newsrooms have had to cut back on business reporting, we offer to them our stories on how the food system works in the U.S. We can't do this without you. Thank you for your support!
With deepest gratitude,
Mary Ungs-Sogaard, Donor Relations Manager
