The company, Tuff Torq, was fined nearly $300,000 for hiring 10 children. It must also set aside $1.5 million to help the immigrant minors who were illegally employed.

Immigrant children as young as 14 were found working illegally amid dangerous heavy equipment at a Tennessee firm that makes parts for lawn mowers sold by John Deere and other companies, according to Labor Department officials.

The company, Tuff Torq, was fined nearly $300,000 for hiring 10 children. As part of a consent agreement with the federal government, the company is also required to set aside $1.5 million to help the children who were illegally employed. Ryan Pott, general counsel for Tuff Torq’s majority owner, the Japanese firm Yanmar, acknowledged the violations to NBC News.

  • CableMonster
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    3 months ago

    Right now 14 year olds just look at phones and go on social media which is a direct harm. Working would be more healthy for their body and their mind.

    • ᗪᗩᗰᑎ
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      3 months ago

      we’re exploited enough as is and corporate greed is only getting worse, there’s absolutely zero need to put children in a position to be exploited.

      • CableMonster
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        3 months ago

        If they dont want to be “exploited” then they shouldnt apply for the job.

        • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
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          3 months ago

          What the fuck? You think employees should be exploited because they need money to survive? Force them to work 80-hour weeks for minimum wage? Scream racist epithets at them if they aren’t productive enough? How about beat them with a metal rod if they step out of line?

          • CableMonster
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            3 months ago

            I disagree with the “exploited” phrasing. And if someone is willing to work 80 hrs per week then they can make money doing other things.

            I actually think they should be beaten with a wood broom handle. Quicker swings.

    • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
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      3 months ago

      Yes, getting caught in a large factory machine and being ground up and spat out into a puddle of mush would be much more healthy for their body and their mind.