Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) raised concerns about ongoing reports of illegal child labor at Tyson Foods during a Senate Health Committee hearing on Wednesday, pressing a Labor Department nominee for accountability and action.
In his remarks, Hawley cited whistleblower claims from a Tyson employee alleging the use of underage labor at company plants. He said the problem isn’t limited to a single location.
“This is by no means an isolated incident,” Hawley said. “Even the New York Times has done a full series on illegal child labor in poultry plants.”
Hawley voiced frustration that Tyson closed two major plants in Missouri despite earlier assurances to workers and farmers that they would remain open.
“They fired everyone, broke contracts, and left many of our people bankrupt,” he said. “Now we learn they’ve used illegal child labor instead. It’s a disgrace.”
Ongoing Federal Investigations
Senator Hawley asked Mr. Rogers if he knew about the situation and how he planned to respond if approved.
Rogers replied that he was generally aware of the reports but not the specific details Hawley cited.
He followed up by reading a letter from the acting WHD chief, which confirmed an ongoing federal labor probe into Tyson and its contractors.
Rogers said he would continue to pursue “offensive child labor” violations wherever they occur, though he could not comment directly on an open case.
He said the department would act aggressively, using available data, employee reports, and focused enforcement efforts.
Hawley Demands Justice for Workers and Children
“I want to see justice,” Hawley said. “Justice for the kids who were exploited. And justice for the Missouri workers who got tossed aside.”
He claimed the Tyson Foods CEO had misled the state and added that the law was “blatantly being ignored.”
“I don’t appreciate being misled,” he said. “It really makes me angry.”
He stressed that the issue ranks high on his agenda and warned Rogers he’d keep pushing it if confirmed.
Religious Liberty Question Raised
Hawley also questioned another nominee about a separate issue: the Biden administration’s reversal of a Trump-era rule protecting religious exemptions for federal contractors.
He asked if the Department of Labor would consider restoring protections so faith-based groups could seek federal contracts without sacrificing their beliefs.
The nominee responded by saying religious liberty was important both constitutionally and personally, and that it would need to be considered in broader departmental policies.
“I will absolutely support robust protections for religious liberty,” he said.
The hearing concluded without any formal commitments but signaled growing pressure on federal agencies to respond to labor violations and workplace rights concerns.
