Federal regulators have imposed a substantial fine of nearly $300,000 on a Tennessee manufacturer for breaching child labor laws.
The manufacturer, Tuff Torq Corp., known for producing outdoor-power-equipment components for renowned brands like John Deere, Toro, and Yamaha, was found to have employed minors as young as 14 to operate hazardous machinery and exceed legal working hours, as disclosed by the Labor Department in a recent statement.
The civil penalty of $296,951 serves as a stark reminder of the stringent enforcement of federal regulations concerning child labor and underscores the imperative for companies to adhere to these laws to avoid significant financial repercussions.
Tennessee Mechanical Manufacturing Company Pays $1.5M Fine
The stipulation also mandates Tuff Torq to allocate $1.5 million from its profits directly associated with the employment of the 10 minors discovered at its Morristown, Tennessee, facility. This allocation, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the Labor Department, is intended "for the benefit of the children employed illegally." Notably, these minors were identified to be as young as 14 years old.
The legal judgment was formalized in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, subsequent to an extensive investigation by the Labor Department's wage and hour division.
The investigation unearthed instances where Tuff Torq had engaged multiple minors in perilous tasks, a clear violation of labor regulations. The inquiry, initiated months earlier, culminated in January with compelling evidence of these labor violations.
Notably, investigators observed a minor operating a power-driven hoisting apparatus, an activity strictly prohibited for individuals below the age of 18.
Jessica Looman, the administrator overseeing the wage and hour division, expressed deep concern, stating, "Even one child working in a dangerous environment is too many." She emphasized the alarming surge in child labor violations over the past year, underscoring the risks posed to children's well-being.
Looman further emphasized the significance of the agreement, asserting that it compels Tuff Torq to take immediate and substantial measures to cease the illegal employment of minors.
Child Labor Violations in the US
Furthermore, Tuff Torq has agreed to specific measures as part of the enforcement action. These measures include collaborating with a community-based organization to deliver regular training sessions to employees, managers, and contractors. Additionally, they are establishing an anonymous reporting line for any concerns related to child labor or suspected labor violations.
Moreover, Tuff Torq has consented to allowing unannounced and warrantless inspections of its factory premises for a period of three years. This enforcement action coincides with a concerning trend of increasing child labor violations nationwide, as highlighted by labor officials.
In the fiscal year 2023 alone, the Labor Department investigated a staggering 955 cases involving 5,792 children across the country. Among these cases were 502 instances where children were employed in violation of hazardous occupation standards. This underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement and vigilance in safeguarding young workers.
Tuff Torq factory, in a recent statement, clarified that it did not directly hire the underage workers involved in the violations. Instead, these individuals were contracted through a temporary workforce staffing agency, although the agency remains unnamed in the statement.
The company's statement emphasized Tuff Torq's commitment to ethical labor practices and ensuring that its products and services are developed under fair conditions. They expressed a dedication to strengthening training and compliance programs while actively engaging with suppliers to uphold ethical labor standards across their supply chain.
