WZZM-TV (Grand Rapids Michigan)

October 27, 2009

Area Farms Cited for Unfair Labor Practices

MUSKEGON COUNTY, Mich. - A Muskegon County farm will have to pay a $2,500 fine for violating Federal Child Labor laws.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture investigated migrant living conditions and child labor violations at farms in eight Michigan counties.

At one of the farms, Jawor Brothers Blueberries in Ravenna, inspectors say they found a 10 year old picking berries in the fields. A farm in Van Buren County, Atkin Blue Ribbon Packing, was cited for having a 6 year old working in the fields. Other farms in Newaygo, Kent, and Ottawa counties were cited for improper living conditions for migrant farm workers.