The U.S. Department of Labor has taken legal action against Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama LLC, SMART Alabama LLC, and Best Practice Service, LLC, accusing them of engaging in the illegal employment of children. The complaint, filed on Thursday, stems from an investigation conducted by the department's Wage and Hour Division.
According to the findings of the investigation, a 13-year-old child was reportedly working between 50 and 60 hours per week operating machines on an assembly line responsible for shaping sheet metal into auto body parts. The lawsuit aims to put an end to the use of child labor within these companies and seeks to recover any profits associated with the alleged practice.
In response to the allegations, Hyundai issued a statement asserting that they had fully cooperated with the Labor Department during the investigation. The company expressed its belief that it is unjust to hold them accountable for the actions of their suppliers and stated their intention to vigorously defend against the lawsuit.
This legal action underscores the importance of upholding child labor laws and ensuring the protection of young workers in the workforce. The Department of Labor's efforts to address and rectify such violations serve as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance in safeguarding the rights and well-being of all employees, particularly minors.
