WASHINGTON, D.C. – In light of the Department of Labor’s agreement with JBS USA Food Co. to address child labor, the United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) reiterated their commitment to challenging exploitation and fighting for a level playing field for American producers.
Federal investigators have uncovered underage kids working dangerous jobs at meat packing plants. The Labor Department went to court to stop what it calls “oppressive child labor” violations. Over the course of three years, the U.S. Department of Labor discovered 102 children ages 13-17 working overnight shifts in plants across the country including in Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, and Nebraska.
The nation’s largest meat packing processor, JBS USA Food Co., which is one of Colorado’s best-known employers, has agreed to pay $4 million to assist individuals and communities affected by unlawful child labor practices nationwide.
The U.S. Department of Labor announced the agreement to address child labor violations by JBS through a release on Jan. 13.
Headquartered in Greeley, JBS employs 65,000 team members at various facilities in the United States and Puerto Rico, according to the company’s website.
USCA Director Emeritus Leo McDonnell testified on June 22, 2023 during the Legislative Hearing on “Cattle Supply Chains and Deforestation of the Amazon” noting USCA’s ongoing concerns regarding the beef industry in Brazil, specifically related to deforestation and concerns over links to forced and child labor.
McDonnell’s testimony specifically referenced this point in that, “‘Beef” and ‘cattle’ are both listed next to Brazil’s name on the most recent report issued by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of International Labor Affairs (DOL ILAB) of goods produced by child or forced labor.”
“USCA opposes forced labor/child labor as evidenced in our testimony during the Senate hearing and we continue to relay to Congress and Customs the need to address this among meat processors,” USCA President Justin Tupper said. “It’s extremely concerning that JBS continues these activities and the situation in Colorado heightens the risk that this could be happening in Brazil.”
Following USCA’s Annual Meeting in December, new policy resolutions were circulated to the membership, including one regarding Section 307 of the Tariff Act of 1930 which specifically prohibits importing any product that was mined, produced, or manufactured wholly or in part by forced labor, including forced or indentured child labor.
It is on this note that USCA is renewing their call to Congress and Customs to look deeper into forced labor practices in Brazil and will be remaining a part of ongoing conversations regarding these concerns, and in the interim, supports prohibiting importing from any country that violates these measures
