Fox 25 Interviews MRW Partner Ellen J. Messing on Developing Child Labor Investigation in Plymouth
On August 4th reporters from Fox 25 interviewed MRW partner Ellen J. Messing regarding apparent child labor on a construction site in Plymouth, Mass. Massachusetts has very strict rules barring children under the age of 16 from construction sites. According to Ellen, “it’s illegal in Massachusetts, it’s illegal everywhere to have kids working in construction, these are dangerous jobs.” BOJ Construction and the site in question are both owned by the Twelve Tribes religious group, which has been repeatedly cited for violating labor laws. The construction company claims that all workers are volunteers and that the children are simply assisting their fathers, but as Ellen noted, “volunteer” work is still considered work— that is, effort aimed at producing a result— and is still illegal, even if it isn’t paid. Follow the link below to watch the piece and Fox 25’s continuing coverage.
http://www.fox25boston.com/news/fox25-investigates-kids-working-on-local-construction-site/417099843