The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of the Solicitor has secured a federal consent judgment mandating that a manufacturer of outdoor power equipment components for prominent firms such as John Deere, Toro, and Yamaha cease illegal employment of minors and adhere to federal child labor regulations moving forward.
The judgment incorporates a $296,951 civil monetary penalty to Tuff Torq. Additionally, the employer is required to allocate $1.5 million as disgorgement of profits earned over 30 days linked to its exploitation of child labor. Funds paid will be utilized for the well-being of unlawfully employed children.
According to a news release, the department has confirmed that Tuff Torq subjected 10 children to exploitative child labor.
“Even one child working in a dangerous environment is too many,” said Wage and Hour Division Administrator Jessica Looman. “Over the past year, we have seen an alarming increase in child labor violations, and these violations put children in harm’s way.”
“With this agreement, we are ensuring Tuff Torq takes immediate and significant steps to stop the illegal employment of children.”
“When employers fail to meet their obligations, we will act swiftly to hold them accountable and protect children.”
