Iowa’s Kosher Meatpacking plant was just fined $10 Million for violating state Labor Laws. Ten million. That’s a lot of money on the hoof. Apparently the plant owners have been violating laws for over two years. The violations range from child labor laws, hiring illegal workers, illegally hiring minors, and allowing minors to operate dangerous equipment.
Back in August of this year authorities arrested close to 400 undocumented workers who were employed at the plant. I believe it’s safe to say that for the kosher meatpacking plant things were…well…not very kosher.
I think it’s safe to say that none of us want our businesses incurring heavy fines. Even light fines. Whether the fines be for labor violations or not. Besides the cost, which can prove ruinous, it is embarrassing. It’s hard to imagine worse publicity. This ranks high on the list for negative branding impressions.
So be careful about your own operations. Run background checks on your employees and run their social security traces to make sure they are legitimate and allowed to work in the United States. In this economy, no one needs the government cracking down on them.
Check them out before you hire.
