Slaughterhouses are no place for children
By Ellie Finkelstein, Freedom United
| Children are working overnight shifts, exposed to toxic chemicals and dangerous machinery, in the facilities of some of the largest meat companies in the US—and they don’t see a way out. This is illegal. It’s deadly. And it’s happening right now. |
| Take action |
| The facts are clear: JBS and Perdue have paid $8 million in fines, and there are ongoing investigations into child labor at Tyson and Cargill, showing that these companies are profiting while kids as young as 13 are suffering serious injuries—or worse. Where does this meat end up? On your plate. The meat processed in these exploitative facilities doesn’t just disappear—it ends up in products sold by the world’s biggest fast food chains. But consumers are left in the dark, while these companies are profiting from the hidden exploitative child labor in their supply chains. |
| Demand accountability now |
| This isn’t just child labor, it’s exploitation—and for many migrant children, it amounts to human trafficking. Driven by fear of deportation or retaliation and failed by weak US child labor laws, many children are coerced into accepting dangerous work. And once inside the system, they feel trapped—unable to speak up, leave, or find protections. We won’t stand by as children are trafficked, exploited, and harmed for profit. That’s why we’ve joined with allies across the US to demand accountability from corporate giants: JBS, Tyson, Perdue, and Cargill. |
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| This is not a one-off scandal—it’s a national crisis: “Slaughterhouse found guilty of migrant teen’s death fined $200,000” “ Meatpacking companies pay for “turning a blind eye” to child exploitation” “Meatpacking plants are repeat offenders of child exploitation” “ Guilty! Federal investigation fines company for illegally hiring children” And while children face life-altering injuries, meat companies continue to rake in billions. JBS alone made $20 billion last year. Cargill? Over $6 billion. We can’t let corporations get away with exploiting children in vulnerable situations and treating kids as disposable labor. We’re calling on these companies to: Guarantee full supply chain transparency Cut ties with contractors violating child labor laws Provide support to affected children and their families Commit to worker-led protections and independent audits. |
| Take action |
| Sign the petition today and demand justice for child workers trapped in exploitation. In solidarity, Ellie and the team that supports the Freedom United community |
| Ellie Finkelstein Campaigner and News Editor, Freedom United |
