Extensive use of child labor in a Guatemalan food processing factory has been uncovered less than a ten minute drive from where President Bush will speak today in praise of the Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA).

Eleven to fourteen hour work shifts, six and seven day work weeks, sub-minimum wage pay with no premium for overtime were reported by child workers at the Legumex food processing factory in rural Chimaltenango province. These conditions violate Guatemalan labor laws.

A report on conditions at the factory, entitled Harvest of Shame, includes interviews with child workers conducted by leading anti-sweatshop advocate, Charles Kernaghan of the New York City-based National Labor Committee. Some of the children at the plant are thirteen years old and younger.

The study was prepared in collaboration with a Guatemalan NGO, the Center for Studies and Support for Local Development (CEADEL).

VIDEO INTERVIEWS AND TRANSCRIPTS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST

Full Report Available at www.nlcnet.org

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