Governor Walz Controversy: Funding JBS During Child Labor Allegations Examined

Elderly man in suit against dark background.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is facing backlash over his decision to allocate state funds to JBS, a company tied to a troubling child labor scandal.

At a Glance

Governor Walz approved $126,000 for training grants to JBS, despite its legal controversies.
The U.S. Department of Labor discovered children working under hazardous conditions at JBS facilities.
The decision has prompted widespread criticism and calls for further investigation.
Funds were intended for dual training programs at JBS’s Worthington, Minnesota plant.

Funding Controversy

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has approved $126,000 in taxpayer funds for job training grants to JBS, a global meat processing company. This decision comes despite the company’s recent involvement in a child labor scandal. The U.S. Department of Labor found that a cleaning service unlawfully hired at least 22 minors to work in dangerous conditions at JBS’s Worthington facility. These revelations have resulted in mounting criticism of Walz’s administration and raised significant questions regarding their funding choices.

Despite the controversy, in June, the Minnesota Office of Higher Education awarded grants to JBS for dual training programs. This initiative was intended to benefit 28 staff members at the Worthington plant. Governor Walz has lauded these programs as mutually advantageous, enhancing both individual career growth and the company’s ability to retain talent. However, critics argue that such funding should be directed towards more ethical establishments.

Legal Challenges

JBS, controlled by the Batista brothers, has a history of legal issues. The company has faced accusations of price-fixing and deceptive environmental practices. Most notably, McDonald’s sued JBS for allegedly conspiring to fix beef prices. Additionally, New York Attorney General Letitia James pursued legal action against the meatpacker for reportedly misleading consumers about its environmental impact. In 2020, the parent company, J&F Investimentos SA, admitted to U.S. foreign bribery charges, agreeing to a settlement of $128 million.

The Governor’s decision to award funds to JBS has also been condemned by figures such as Senator Marco Rubio, who has called for JBS to face a federal investigation rather than receive public funding. Additionally, Republican Representative Anna Paulina Luna has expressed outrage over the decision, highlighting the misuse of taxpayer dollars in supporting a corporation implicated in child labor violations. As the criticism intensifies, Governor Walz and his administration have come under increased scrutiny, and the response from the Governor’s office remains awaited.

“Walz just got busted for shoveling taxpayer dollars to a corporation that was USING MIGRANT CHILDREN to clean slaughterhouses. Literal slavery.” – Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna

This says it all! Look at the difference in the expressions of the kids in the two photos. #mnleg https://t.co/UAmr6hIsuZ

— Senator John Marty (@JohnMarty) March 18, 2023

Reactions and Implications

The uncovering of child labor practices at JBS facilities has sparked intense scrutiny. The U.S. Department of Labor’s findings revealed minors, some as young as 13, were employed to clean hazardous equipment. Despite JBS terminating the implicated cleaning service, questions linger about the company’s practices. Governor Walz praised the job training grants offered as creating career advancement opportunities. Nonetheless, some question the appropriateness of taxpayer funding given JBS’s problematic history, asserting that such grants should prioritize more reputable businesses.

While the intention behind supporting training and economic growth is acknowledged, the controversy highlights a need for more stringent scrutiny of companies receiving state funds. The scrutiny surrounding this situation underscores the importance of ensuring taxpayer money is allocated to enterprises with ethical regulations and practices. Governor Walz’s defense of the initiative emphasizes economic growth, though ongoing investigations may influence future policy and funding decisions in Minnesota.