GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. — Michigan State Representative Phil Skaggs introduced legislation to strengthen Michigan’s child labor laws by increasing penalties for companies that employ minors in hazardous work environments.

“While having a job at a young age can teach important, lifelong skills and help support families, companies that break the law and exploit our kids for higher profits should be held accountable,” Skaggs said. “Learning about the tragic stories of these young people not only breaks our hearts but spurs us to protect them.”

The proposed law would increase financial penalties, which have not been updated since 1981, by five to 10 times the current fines. First offenses would be punishable by up to $5,000, second offenses up to $25,000 and subsequent offenses up to $50,000. Furthermore, first offenses would be classified as a felony rather than a misdemeanor.

“Teenagers should not be working on egg farms for 12 hours a day, they should not be working the night shift on the assembly line, and they should not be working under hazardous conditions,” Skaggs added.
 “Unfortunately, current penalties are not enough of a deterrent, and we must send a strong message that shows the exploitation of children will not be tolerated in any form.”

The bill comes as a response to a New York Times article that detailed illegal child labor in Michigan and across the nation. According to the article, children have often been forced to miss class or drop out of school altogether due to their employment.

A recent case of a Michigan meat processor employing a minor has contributed to the state’s child labor violations.

In November 2019, a 17-year-old worker lost his hand in a meat grinder while working at US Guys Processing. Following an investigation, it was discovered that neither the owner, Darin Wilbur, nor the minor acquired the necessary work permit for individuals under 18 in the position.

Last month, Wilbur pled guilty to employing the minor in a dangerous profession.

Child labor allegations have surfaced nationwide this past year in the meat industry, as Packers Sanitation Services Inc. (PSSI) was accused of employing at least 31 people between the ages of 13 to 17 in hazardous occupations.

According to an investigation from the US Department of Labor, the minors cleaned meat processing equipment during overnight shifts, and several suffered from caustic chemical burns and other injuries.

At the time of the allegations, PSSI responded, saying, “While rogue individuals could of course seek to engage in fraud or identity theft, we are confident in our company’s strict compliance policies and will defend ourselves vigorously against these claims.”