Catherwood LibraryILR School

Seafood Processing Plants in Massachusetts are being investigated by the United States Department of Labor for alleged labor law violations, such as the use of child labor and the failure to pay for overtime work. Several migrant child workers stated that they worked at Atlantic Red Crab and Workforce Unlimited, where they had to kill crabs and fish, as well as remove the heads and debone the animals. These child workers had to work long 16-hour days and occasionally had to work overnight shifts at the plant. The company’s owner claims that the workers at the plant are hired through a staffing agency, and he had no knowledge that the agency hired workers under 18 years of age. He also claims that some underage workers apply with fake identification, and the company hires them based on the belief that the individuals are 18 years old.