Major U.S. Companies Combat Child Labor in Domestic Supply Chains

Clear Facts

• Major U.S. companies are taking steps to eliminate child labor in their domestic supply chains.
• Children are working in dangerous, illegal jobs throughout American manufacturing and food production.
• Companies like McDonald’s, Ford Motor Company, and Costco are implementing new measures to address the issue.

Many major U.S. companies, including some of the country’s biggest consumer brands, are taking steps to eliminate child labor in their domestic supply chains. This comes amid revelations that children are working throughout American manufacturing and food production, particularly in factories, slaughterhouses, and industrial dairy farms.

Since 2021, hundreds of thousands of migrant children have crossed the southern border without their parents. Growing numbers of these children have ended up in dangerous, illegal jobs in every state. The New York Times has reported on this issue in a series of articles, detailing how children have been crushed by construction equipment, yanked into industrial machinery, and fallen to their deaths from rooftops.

In response to these revelations, McDonald’s is now requiring private inspectors to review overnight shifts at slaughterhouses that provide some of its meat. This comes after reports of children as young as 13 cleaning heavy machinery in these facilities. Ford Motor Company is also taking action, requiring suppliers to scrutinize the faces of employees when they arrive for work. Additionally, Costco is commissioning more audits with Spanish-speaking inspectors to address the issue.

Clear Thoughts (op-ed)

It’s appalling that in 21st century America, child labor is still an issue that needs to be addressed. Major U.S. companies are now taking steps to eliminate this disgraceful practice from their supply chains, but the question remains: how did we let it get this far?

Since 2021, hundreds of thousands of migrant children have crossed the southern border, many of whom have found themselves in dangerous, illegal jobs. This is a direct result of our failed immigration policies, which have allowed for the exploitation of these vulnerable children.

While it’s commendable that companies like McDonald’s, Ford, and Costco are taking action, it’s important to remember that this issue goes beyond corporate responsibility. The U.S. government must take stronger measures to protect these children and address the root causes of this problem.

It’s time to put an end to child labor once and for all, and ensure that every child in America has the opportunity to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment.

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