Corporate Accountability and Child Labor Violations: A Case Study of Packers Sanitation Services Inc.

Anabel Makutonin

Co-Presenters: Andrii Oliinyk, Viviana Nieto, William Marks, Kasandra Ortiz, Jhan Rosario

College: College of Business and Public Management

Major: BS.MANAGEMNT-GENBUS

Faculty Research Mentor: Dawn Adams-Harmon

Abstract:

Title: Corporate Accountability and Child Labor Violations: A Case Study of Packers Sanitation Services Inc.

Authors: Anabel Makutonin, William Marks, Viviana Nieto, Andrii Oliinyk, Kasandra Ortiz, Jhan Rosario

Abstract:
Child labor remains a critical issue in the United States despite the federal protections designed to protect minors from hazardous
work environments. Recent investigations into Packers Sanitation Services Inc. (PSSI), one of the nation’s largest food safety sanitation providers, revealed serious violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This study examines the circumstances surrounding PSSI’s employment of at least 102 minors, ages 13 to 17, who were assigned to overnight shifts cleaning dangerous meat processing equipment with strong chemicals across 13 facilities in eight states. The purpose of this research is to examine how these violations happened and why corporate responsibility is important in preventing child labor.
A qualitative case study approach was used to review publicly available investigation findings, federal enforcement actions, and reported workplace conditions. The analysis reviews how PSSI failed to follow child labor laws, including ignoring internal systems that flagged some workers as minors. The study also considers reports that at least three minors were injured while performing hazardous cleaning tasks.
The findings show that these problems happened in many parts of the company, not just one place. The $1.5 million penalty paid by PSSI and the court-ordered compliance measures highlight the role of government enforcement in protecting young workers. This case shows the importance of strong oversight, ethical management, and proper hiring practices. Future research could examine how companies can improve compliance systems to prevent child labor and ensure safer working conditions for all employees.

Keywords: Child Labor, Workplace Safety, Corporate Responsibility, Fair Labor Standards Act, Ethical Management