In reaction to a story from the New York Times about migrant kids operating in stipulations in violation of labor rules around the nation, Ben & Jerry’s has released a statement announcing it’s going to take decisive motion when it learns of child labor on dairy farms supplying milk for its merchandise.
The article integrated references of kids operating on Vermont dairy farms that provide milk to the ice cream corporate.
(The Biden management has since announced new tasks to analyze child labor violations and support fortify for migrant kids in the U.S.)
Ben & Jerry’s stated they had been “deeply concerned by the claims made in this story, and do not tolerate any suppliers who are not adhering to the law.”
Labor laws do permit people under the age of 18 to work, but under specific conditions. On farms, that includes not allowing anyone under 16 to perform hazardous work.
Ben & Jerry’s, which is now owned by parent company Unilever, but remains headquartered in Vermont, also said they stood in strong opposition to child labor.
The company pointed out that it joined Milk With Dignity in 2017, a farmworker-led program in which corporations pay farms a premium to adhere to labor and housing standards.
“If ongoing tracking techniques or farmworker hotlines establish incidents of child labor at the farms that go with the flow into the dairy providers we acquire from, we can take decisive motion in conjunction with our providers and the Milk with Dignity Standards Council,” Ben & Jerry’s said.
More from Vermont Public: Vt.’s housing health & safety system didn’t protect farmworkers, so they created their own program
In the statement, the farmworker advocacy group Migrant Justice said it was proud to work with Ben & Jerry’s.
“Ben & Jerry’s is the primary corporate to sign up for the Milk with Dignity Program,” the organization said. “We need all dairy corporations to practice their management and sign up for Milk with Dignity to convey a brand new day for human rights in the dairy industry.”
Migrant Justice is currently trying to get Hannaford Supermarkets to join the program. The organization has alleged that labor and housing rights violations are taking place on supplier farms for Hannaford Supermarkets.
“Ben & Jerry’s is the first company to join the Milk with Dignity Program … We want all dairy companies to follow their leadership and join Milk with Dignity to bring a new day for human rights in the dairy industry.”
Migrant Justice
Hannaford has stated it has investigated the ones allegations and now not discovered proof of violations.
While Hannaford was once now not discussed in the New York Times investigation, the corporate does provide milk from Vermont dairy farms.
In a observation this week, Hannaford stated it was once now not acutely aware of any child labor violations at provider dairy farms, however that it “will not tolerate illegal or inhumane treatment of children or adults who work as part of our supply chain.”
The corporate stated any studies of child labor violations would pause its courting with a provider, and if the placement could not be remediated, they’d become independent from that provider.
Hannaford additionally stated it’s creating an evaluation program for dairy providers to verify its requirements are being met.
More from Vermont Public: Farmworker team says Hannaford’s ethics assist line hasn’t mounted dwelling stipulations
Vermont Labor Commissioner Michael Harrington informed Vermont Public that violations may also be reported anonymously thru a whistleblower complaint form to Vermont Occupational Safety and Health Administration to be investigated.
The state additionally has a voluntary program that may audit places of work for protection dangers.
Harrington stated the Department of Labor is dedicated to expanding consciousness in Vermont about laws for each administrative center protection and child labor.
“But I think a lot of what we do is around awareness, not just for the employer, but for the employee as well … letting employees know that there are safe ways that one, what they are — the employer — is required to do and require to provide a safe environment,” Harrington stated. “But also, if they feel like they’re at risk, that there’s a safe and confidential way to report those concerns to the department that doesn’t put them at risk.”
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