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.

  • @Leviathan
    link
    410 months ago

    Precisely. They should have a childhood.

    • @[email protected]
      link
      fedilink
      -110 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
        link
        fedilink
        210 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.

          • Flying Squid
            link
            110 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?

            • @[email protected]
              link
              fedilink
              -110 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
        link
        110 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.