(GREENVILLE, TENNESSEE) – The U.S. Department of Labor’s (USDOL) Office of the Solicitor has obtained a Federal Consent Judgment that requires a Tennessee manufacturer of outdoor power equipment components for major companies - including John Deere, Toro and Yamaha, to stop employing children illegally and to follow Federal Child Labor Laws in the future. 

The judgment, which comes after the USDOL’s Wage and Hour Division identified several children employed in dangerous jobs, includes a $296,951 Civil Money Penalty.

The employer must also set aside $1.5 million as disgorgement of 30 days’ profits related to its use of child labor.

The proceeds paid by Tuff Torq will be used for the benefit of the children employed illegally. 

To date, the USDOL determined that Tuff Torq subjected 10 children to oppressive child labor.

Division Investigators began its probe months ago, but obtained clear evidence of the unlawful conduct on January 23rd (2024) when they returned to the Tuff Torq facility and observed a child operating a power-driven hoisting apparatus, an occupation prohibited for Workers under the age of 18.

As a result, the USDOL objected to the shipment of goods from the company’s Morristown Facility, citing the Fair Labor Standards Act’s (FLSA) “Hot Goods” Provision, which prevents employers from shipping goods produced by oppressive 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.”

To Continue Reading This Labor News Report, Go To: US Department of Labor requires Tennessee parts manufacturer to turn over profits from oppressive child labor use, compensate victims | U.S. Department of Labor (dol.gov)