ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL, ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF LABOR REMIND HEARTHSIDE CHILD LABORERS TO FILE CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL, ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF LABOR REMIND HEARTHSIDE CHILD LABORERS TO FILE CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION

September 23, 2026

Claims for Compensation Under Settlement Can be Filed Until Nov. 20

Chicago - Attorney General Kwame Raoul and the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) are encouraging eligible workers who were under the age of 16 when they worked at Hearthside Food Solutions LLC (Hearthside) to submit claims for compensation under the state's $4.5 million settlement before the Nov. 20 deadline. Raoul and IDOL reached the settlement with Hearthside, one of the largest food manufacturers in the nation, in January 2025 to resolve allegations that the company violated child labor laws in its Illinois food manufacturing facilities.

"Illinois has enacted strong child labor laws to protect children and youth under 16 from dangerous work conditions, excessive hours and late shifts in order to safeguard them from harm and exploitation," Raoul said. "I will continue to hold companies who break our labor laws accountable to ensure every workplace is safe for all, including our youngest and most vulnerable workers."

"Protecting young workers remains a priority for the Illinois Department of Labor," said Illinois Department of Labor Director Jane Flanagan. "This settlement holds Hearthside accountable for violations, requires strong safeguards to prevent future violations, and provides compensation for the young workers who were impacted. We encourage eligible individuals to file their claims before the Nov. 20 deadline."

Individuals who worked at a Hearthside facility in Illinois while under the age of 16 at any point between March 1, 2020 and Dec. 4, 2024 are eligible for compensation under this settlement. Claim forms can be submitted online with Atticus Administration, the third-party administrator hired to manage the settlement. Affected individuals who need assistance with their claim can contact the Chicago Workers' Collaborative - a worker center dedicated to supporting and educating workers - at 630-824-7724. Individuals have until Nov. 20 to submit a claim form. Claimants' personal information will be kept confidential, and immigration status does not affect the ability to submit a claim.

In addition to settlement funds, Raoul and IDOL's settlement requires Hearthside to implement new policies to prevent any future violations of Illinois child labor laws, including setting up an anonymous hotline and designating employees to review its anti-child labor policies and train employees. Hearthside has also agreed to cooperate with the Attorney General's office and IDOL and allow state agencies to audit its practices and conduct training sessions at its facilities.

Attorney General Raoul's Workplace Rights Bureau protects and advances the employment rights of all Illinois residents, particularly the state's most vulnerable residents and immigrant populations. The bureau investigates and litigates cases involving serious or persistent wage law violations or other significant employment practices, and monitors and proposes legislation concerning labor and employment issues.

Attorney General Raoul encourages workers who have concerns about an employer's potentially unlawful practices to call his Workplace Rights Hotline at 844-740-5076 or file a complaint in English or en Español by visiting the Attorney General's website.

A Spanish version of this release is available here.