$4 Million Settlement for Child Laborers at Hearthside Foods

In 2023, Chicago Workers Collaborative learned of a heartbreaking reality. Children under the age of 16 were sent by temp agencies to work on the hazardous production lines of Hearthside Food Solutions, making the meat products, baked goods, granola bars, cookies, and snacks we see in grocery stores every day. We referred the case to the Illinois Office of the Attorney General and Illinois Department of Labor. This investigation led to a $4 million settlement, creating a fund to compensate the young workers affected between March 1, 2020, and December 4, 2024.

Now, we need your help to reach every eligible worker. If you, or someone you know, worked at Hearthside Foods while under the age of 16, call us today at (847) 596-7491!

We’ll guide you through filing a claim and make sure no young worker is left behind. Together, we can turn this settlement into real justice.