Iowa Workforce Agency Appeals Cut in Fine for Texas Company

An Iowa agency that enforces state labor laws is appealing a judge’s decision to cut a proposed fine against a Texas company accused of underpaying several mentally disabled men.

Henry’s Turkey Service housed the men in an old bunkhouse and put them to work at a turkey plant in West Liberty. The company is accused of 9,000 violations of state labor law.

After the bunkhouse was closed, Iowa Workforce Development proposed a fine of $1.1 million. The company appealed, and an administrative law judge cut the fine to $175,000.

The Des Moines Register says the agency is appealing the decision, arguing workers will be at increased risk of exploitation.

The company claims the turkey plant employed the men, so any violations should be attributable to that company.

Information from: The Des Moines Register