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Record-Breaking Fine Issued to Smithfield for Employing Minors in Hazardous Roles

Issue #134

15 Nov

In this Marshall Area Insider issue…

🌤️ Marshall, MN Weather - Partly cloudy with a high of 50

🗞️ Record-Breaking Fine Issued to Smithfield for Employing Minors in Hazardous Roles

🗞️ Congressional Staff to Address Community Needs at Marshall-Lyon County Library

📣 Want to get your business in the Marshall Area Insider? Let’s talk!

📌 Know of other local events not listed? Send us the details!

Record-Breaking Fine Issued to Smithfield for Employing Minors in Hazardous Roles

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) has issued a record-setting $2 million fine to Smithfield Packaged Meats Corp. following a detailed investigation into child labor violations.

Over a span of two years, DLI uncovered that Smithfield had employed 11 minors, some as young as 14, in hazardous roles that involved handling dangerous machinery and chemicals, often working beyond hours permitted by state law.

Under a consent agreement, Smithfield will not only pay the substantial penalty but is also required to implement significant compliance measures.

These include increasing awareness within the industry about child labor regulations and enforcing tighter controls on staffing and contractor practices to prevent similar issues in the future.

This case aligns with broader national and state efforts to address child labor abuses within the meatpacking industry.

Recent updates to Minnesota’s Child Labor Standards Act, which took effect on August 1, 2024, add further protections for young workers.

The U.S. Department of Labor has also increased its focus on enforcing child labor laws in high-risk sectors like meat processing.

The hefty fine and new compliance demands send a strong message that Minnesota is prioritizing the safety, health, and education of young workers, reaffirming the state’s commitment to enforcing strict labor standards in industries prone to such abuses.

Congressional Staff to Address Community Needs at Marshall-Lyon County Library

Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach’s office will be offering mobile office hours in Marshall, providing local residents an opportunity to meet with her team and receive assistance with federal services.

The event will be held at the Marshall-Lyon County Library (201 C St, Marshall) on Tuesday, November 19, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with no appointment needed.

These mobile office hours allow constituents to connect with Congresswoman Fischbach’s staff to discuss policy concerns, offer feedback, or get help navigating federal agencies.

The team can assist with a variety of services, including passport processing, Social Security benefits, veterans' needs, tax refunds, and other federal support.

Additionally, staff can help facilitate communication with agencies like FEMA and the Farm Service Agency (FSA), offering assistance to those facing unique challenges.

Mobile office hours make it easier for constituents, especially those in rural areas, to get the help they need without traveling far.

Congresswoman Fischbach’s team will work to address residents’ questions and concerns, aiming to provide practical solutions and support.

For those unable to attend this session, mobile office hours are planned throughout the Seventh District, so future opportunities will be available.

For additional information, residents are encouraged to contact Congresswoman Fischbach’s office at 320-403-6100.

Stay connected with her office for further updates and community engagement opportunities on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

Upcoming Area Events

 🗓️ Have an event to add? Send us the details!

Friday, November 15th - Sunday, November 17th

  • Kananaskis Christmas Market at the Redwood Area Community Center in Redwood Falls

    • Friday, November 15th from 6:00 - 9:00 PM - residents only

    • Saturday, November 16th from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

    • Sunday, November 17th from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Saturday, November 16th
Sunday, November 17th
Tuesday, November 19th

  • U.S. Congresswoman Fischbach Staff Mobile Office Hours at the Marshall-Lyon County Library from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Thursday, November 21st
Thursday, November 21st - Saturday, November 23rd
Friday, November 22nd
Saturday, November 23rd
Sunday, November 24th

  • Prairie Home Hospice & Community Care’s A Light to Remember events

    • Memorial Park in Minneota at 4:30 PM

Thursday, November 28th
Friday, November 29th

  • Light Up The Night takes place at Independence Park in Marshall from 5:00 - 9:00 PM every night. Starting November 29 through January 1st. Enjoy this beautiful Winter Wonderland!

Saturday, November 30th
Sunday, December 1st
Wednesday, December 4th (first Wednesday of every month)

  • Dementia Caregiver Support Group from 10:00 - 11:30 AM at Adult Community Center in Marshall

    • Open to everyone, come when you can, no cost or obligation to attend, refreshments available

    • For questions contact Jamie Lanners (507) 828-8891

Saturday, December 7th

  • Christmas in the Village in Montevideo from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

    • Vendors, Crafters, Bake Sale, Candy Sale, Gift Shop, Horse Drawn Wagon Rides, Santa and so much more…

    • Admission: adults - $8, Kids 5+ $5, kids 4 and under are free

  • St. Mary’s Pie Event

    • Purchase or gift a Tracy St. Mary's Pie's for Thanksgiving!

    • 9" unbaked, frozen pies at $12.00 each (Flavors: Apple, Carmel Apple, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, Pumpkin, Rhubarb Custard & Strawberry Rhubarb)

    • 9” baked, then frozen Pecan pie is $14.00.

    • Call 507 629-3252 to order by November 22.

    • Gift cards are available. St. Mary's Pies are sold all year around.

  • Holiday Cheer Baskets by Marshall Area Dementia Awareness Network

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Marshall’s & Southwest MN’s Best Kept Secret:
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