Press Release
☷US Department of Labor requires Tennessee parts manufacturer to turn over profits from oppressive child labor use compensate victims
U.S. Department of Labor ( By Press Release office)
Mar 27,2024
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The US Department of Labor has required a parts manufacturer in Tennessee to give up profits from using child labor and compensate the victims . Tuff Torq Corp . has been fined $296K for employing children to operate dangerous machinery and making them work longer hours than allowed by law . The manufacturer must also follow federal child labor laws in the future . This agreement was reached in federal court on March 22 , 2024 , after it was discovered that Tuff Torq had illegally employed 10 children . The company has agreed to stop using child labor , pay the penalty , and set aside money for the benefit of the children involved . They will also receive training , establish a tip line for reporting violations , and allow inspections of their facility . Division Administrator Jessica Looman emphasized the importance of protecting children from dangerous work environments and holding employers accountable for their actions . Avoid entering into any new contracts with labor agencies or other contractors that commit child labor violations , and require contractors to disclose child labor violations and employment agreements . "This consent order holds Tuff Torq accountable while also deterring future breaches , focusing on the supply chain , and we are working hard to make victims whole , " Labor lawyer Seema Nanda said . “This agreement puts into practice what we have said for a long time . The Department will not tolerate companies profiting from the illegal employment of children in hazardous occupations . Tuff Torq has agreed to return profits , which will benefit children . This sends a clear message: exposing children to harm in the workplace is not only illegal but also has serious financial consequences . "In fiscal year 2023 , the department investigated and prosecuted 955 child labor violations involving 5 , 792 children nationwide , 502 of whom were employed in violation of hazardous occupational standards . The department has imposed more than $8 million in civil penalties against employers for these violations . Fines . Learn more about the Wage and Hour Department , including child labor regulations that prohibit workers under 18 from performing hazardous work . The Department provides confidential compliance assistance to anyone with questions about wages or how to stay , regardless of where they are from By law , call the agency ' s toll - free helpline at 866 - 4US - WAGE ( 487 - 9243 ) . The department can speak to callers in more than 200 languages .
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