By Ellie Finkelstein, Freedom United 

June 1 is the International Day for the Protection of Children—but in the US, children are still being put in danger.  
 
And while child labor violations surge, US lawmakers in several states are weakening child labor protections, making it easier—not harder—for companies to exploit kids.

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This year alone: 

• Tyson Foods was found exploiting children in one of its meat processing plants, sparking demands for a federal investigation.[1] 
   
• Perdue Farms and JBS, two of the country’s largest meatpackers, were fined a total of $8 million after the Department of Labor discovered that the companies had employed migrant children in their slaughterhouses.[2] 
   
• Florida passed more laws that weaken child labor protections, including expanding work hours for teenagers and allowing overnight shifts on school nights, even as child labor violations have tripled in the state in recent years.[3] 
   
• Iowa, which allows 14-year-olds to work in meatpacking plants and freezers, significantly slashed fines for companies that violate child labor laws.[4] 

Children are more vulnerable than ever, and corporations like meat-packing companies are capitalizing on this vulnerability. Migrant children, who are often trafficked into these jobs under threat or coercion, are trapped by fear of deportation or retaliation. 

This isn’t just child labor—it’s exploitation, and it’s happening right now. And whether you know it or not, you could be connected to it: the meat and other goods processed in these abusive facilities end up in products we buy from some of the world’s biggest household brands and fast-food chains. 

That’s why we’re renewing our call to hold major meat companies accountable: JBS, Tyson, Perdue, and Cargill. 

Sign the petition

We can’t let this continue. Add your name in honor of the upcoming International Day for the Protection of Children and join us in demanding change.  
 

In solidarity, 

Ellie and the team that supports the Freedom United community 

[1] https://www.freedomunited.org/news/investigation-child-labor-law/ 

[2] https://www.freedomunited.org/news/meatpacking-companies-fined-for-child-labor/ 

[3] https://www.freedomunited.org/news/filling-vacancies-with-children/ 

[4] https://www.kcrg.com/2025/01/09/iowa-labor-groups-decry-proposed-changes-child-labor-law-fines/ 

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