U.S. Department of Labor Takes Action Against Mar-Jac Poultry for Child Labor Violations

The U.S. Department of Labor has reached a consent judgment in federal court with Mar-Jac Poultry AL LLC, mandating that the Alabama-based poultry processor pay $385,000 in civil penalties due to violations of federal child labor laws. This agreement also includes provisions to prevent future infractions.

Background of the Violations

Investigations by the Department’s Wage and Hour Division revealed that Mar-Jac Poultry had employed minors, including children as young as 13 years old. Reportedly, these young workers were engaged in hazardous tasks prohibited under federal law, such as operating forklifts, deboning, and working on the kill floor.

Mar-Jac was also found to have allowed workers aged 14 and 15 to perform jobs strictly forbidden by child labor regulations, including working outside permissible hours and overnight shifts. These alarming findings prompted the imposition of a significant financial penalty.

Statements from Officials

Regional Administrator Juan Coria of the Wage and Hour Division expressed concern over the company’s track record, noting, “Mar-Jac Poultry has repeatedly been found to put young workers at risk, resulting in the tragic death of a child at their Mississippi facility in 2023.” He emphasized the Department of Labor’s commitment to using all available tools to protect young workers and hold negligent employers accountable.

Key Provisions of the Judgment

Issued on May 21, 2025, the consent judgment contains numerous stipulations for Mar-Jac Poultry, including:

• Banning the employment of children in prohibited or hazardous jobs and prohibiting hiring workers under 14 years old.
• Implementing mandatory in-person meetings for new workers with shift managers before their first day.
• Ensuring that hazardous equipment prominently displays age restrictions.
• Placing entrance signs indicating that workers must be at least 18 years old.
• Maintaining detailed records for each worker, including wages, hours, and dates of birth for employees under 19.
• Hiring a third-party compliance specialist to monitor adherence to federal child labor laws for three years.
• Providing quarterly child labor compliance training to all managers and annual compliance reports.
• Revising management training and orientation materials to include information on FLSA compliance.
• Disciplinary measures against management for child labor violations or retaliation against whistleblowers.
• Allowing Wage and Hour Division inspections of their facilities without a warrant for three years.

Previous Incidents and Ongoing Concerns

The Department previously documented serious incidents at Mar-Jac, including an investigation following the fatal accident of a 16-year-old worker caught in a machine. During the 2023 investigation, four minors were allowed to operate dangerous machinery and participated in meat processing activities against labor regulations, leading to an earlier penalty of $150,000.

Commitment to Worker Safety

Regional Solicitor Tremelle Howard noted, “This resolution again affirms the U.S. Department of Labor’s efforts to protect our nation’s youth.” He stressed the importance of ensuring that young workers are protected from hazardous employment conditions.

Founded in 1954 and headquartered in Gainesville, Georgia, Mar-Jac Poultry has been a significant player in the poultry production industry with operations in Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi, serving food service customers both domestically and internationally.

Resources for Young Workers and Employers

The Department of Labor’s YouthRules initiative aims to promote safe work experiences for teens, providing essential information to workers, parents, and employers. The Wage and Hour Division also offers guidelines for compliance that help employers understand their responsibilities under child labor laws.

For additional information, visit the Wage and Hour Division or contact them with any questions via their toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243). You can also download their free Timesheet App to help track hours and pay.

Source: U.S Department of Labor