In a swift response to alarming findings, the U.S. Department of Labor has taken urgent legal action against three Southern California poultry businesses accused of employing child labor. U.S. District Judge Otis Wright II issued a temporary restraining order on Monday, compelling the companies to cease using child labor, disclose employment records, and halt the shipment of products produced under such conditions.
The Labor Department’s complaint, filed over the weekend, revealed disturbing evidence of child laborers engaged in poultry processing activities at one of the facilities in Irwindale. Despite objections from the Wage and Hours Division, the companies continued to operate and distribute goods produced by underage workers.
The urgency of the situation prompted the Labor Department to seek immediate remedies, including an injunction to prevent the sale of goods tainted by child labor and the disgorgement of profits obtained through such unlawful practices.
The defendants named in the complaint, including L & Y Food, Moon Poultry, and JRC Culinary Group, are accused of obstructing the investigation, hindering efforts to ascertain the fate of products processed using child labor. Fu Qian Chen Lu, identified as the owner of the businesses, is held responsible for their management and compliance.
The gravity of the situation is compounded by allegations of intimidation and retaliation against workers who cooperated with the investigation. Supervisors reportedly resorted to derogatory language and threats, creating a hostile work environment for vulnerable employees.
In response to the Labor Department’s actions, an attorney representing the companies condemned the government’s conduct, denouncing it as “shocking and reprehensible.” However, the attorney asserted that the companies have not violated wage and hour laws, citing their use of piece-pay practices, which reward workers based on productivity.
Despite the legal dispute, concerns persist regarding the exploitation of vulnerable workers and the need for robust enforcement of labor laws to safeguard their rights. As the case unfolds, the broader implications of the allegations underscore the importance of accountability and transparency in the poultry industry.
