NY Department of Labor press release
Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon announced Tuesday, June 5, the preliminary results of an ongoing investigation into the Twelve Tribes community located in Cambridge, based on an Inside Edition(IE) investigative report that aired on Friday, June 1. The IE video showed children as young as six years old being put to work in farm and factory settings. On Monday, June 5, an investigative team from the Department of Labor Worker Protection unit conducted an on-site investigation at Common Sense Farm. The team found multiple violations involving 12 minors who were engaged in factory work, which is prohibited.
As a result of these violations, the DOL has opened cases that could result in significant fines in the tens of thousands of dollars.
“Every child under the age of 18 in this state has a right to be protected by the Child Labor Law, and we take our enforcement responsibilities seriously,” said Commissioner Reardon. “Children are our most valuable asset and compliance with the Child Labor Law is not discretionary – it’s mandatory.”
As part of the investigation, The Department of Labor also educated the owners about child labor standards.