The DOL investigation found that at least 24 children, some as young as 13, were employed by Fayette Janitorial Service, working overnight shifts at two separate slaughter facilities.

Federal labor laws strictly prohibit the use of minors in certain jobs in slaughtering and meat packaging plants, particularly those involving the use or cleaning of machinery due to the inherent risks involved. Nevertheless, Fayette Janitorial Service had disregarded these laws, resulting in the violations.

As part of the penalties imposed on Fayette, in addition to the substantial fine, the company is now required to engage a third party to prevent instances of child labor. Furthermore, Fayette must establish a mechanism for reporting concerns related to the employment of children.

In response to the allegations, Fayette Janitorial Service issued a statement to CNN, acknowledging that the use of fraudulent identification documents had allowed individuals under the age of 18 to bypass their policies and procedures. The company assured that it has taken immediate action, investing in proprietary systems and technologies to address this gap and prevent future instances.

Fayette also emphasized that it has fully cooperated with the DOL throughout the investigation. The company's statement reiterated their commitment to providing a safe and compliant work environment for all employees.

The recent remedies imposed on Fayette Janitorial Service followed a temporary injunction issued by a federal court in response to the DOL's request in February. The investigation uncovered the presence of child labor at the Seaboard Triumph Foods Plant in Sioux City, Iowa, and at a Perdue Farms poultry processing facility in Accomac, Virginia.

The DOL's investigation detailed the dangerous jobs performed by the minors, involving tasks such as cleaning kill floor equipment like head splitters, jaw pullers, meat bandsaws, and neck clippers. Both Seaboard and Perdue took immediate action upon learning about the allegations. Perdue terminated its contract with Fayette Janitorial Services prior to the court filing, emphasizing their commitment to a zero-tolerance policy toward underage labor. Similarly, Seaboard severed all ties with Fayette as it was in violation of company policies and commitments made in their contract.

These instances of illegal child labor reflect a distressing trend in recent years, with several contractors being fined for employing minors. Last year, Packers Sanitation Services was fined $1.5 million for similar violations involving hazardous occupations and overnight shifts for minors.

These cases highlight the importance of strict adherence to labor and employment laws, particularly when it comes to protecting the well-being of young workers. The DOL's vigilance and the subsequent penalties serve as a reminder that such practices will not be tolerated, and companies must take proactive measures to ensure compliance and accountability within their operations.