Tennessee Factory Fined for Employing Children in Hazardous Work

Immigrant children as young as 14 were discovered working illegally at a Tennessee factory that produces lawn mower parts, resulting in a nearly $300,000 fine for the company, Tuff Torq. The children were found working amid dangerous heavy equipment, and the company has been required to set aside $1.5 million to assist the children. The Labor Department emphasized that companies profiting from unlawfully employing children in hazardous occupations will face significant financial consequences, and Tuff Torq has agreed to disgorge profits for the benefit of the children. The company claims the child workers were temporary and not hired directly, and is transitioning away from doing business with the staffing company involved.