Former workers testify about underage employment at Iowa slaughterhouse during manager’s trial

Former workers testify about underage employment

WATERLOO, Iowa — Two former underage workers say they worked 12 hours a day, six days a week and were exposed to harsh chemicals at a kosher slaughterhouse in Iowa.

The teens testified Monday during the trial of former Agriprocessors manager Sholom Rubashkin on 83 counts of child labor violations.

Rony Ordonez Capir and Yesenia Cordero Mendoza acknowledged using false documents to get jobs at the slaughterhouse. Capir was 16 and Mendoza was 15 when hired.

Ordonez says he cut meat and washed down conveyor belts with bleach and chlorine.

Mendoza says she measured the temperature of meat packaged with dry ice.

Both say they suffered burning eyes and throats from the chemicals.

Mendoza cried while testifying about a raid at the plant.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

WATERLOO, Iowa (AP) — Two former underage workers say they worked 12 hours a day, six days a week and were exposed to harsh chemicals at a kosher slaughterhouse in Iowa.

The teens testified Monday during the trial of former Agriprocessors manager Sholom Rubashkin on 83 counts of child labor violations.

Rony Ordonez Capir and Yesenia Cordero Mendoza acknowledged using false documents to get jobs at the slaughterhouse. Capir was 16 and Mendoza was 15 when hired.

Ordonez says he cut meat and washed down conveyor belts with bleach and chlorine.

Mendoza says she measured the temperature of meat packaged with dry ice.

Both say they suffered burning eyes and throats from the chemicals.

Mendoza cried during testimony, saying she doesn’t like thinking about the job.

Eds: APNewsNow. CORRECTS that worker cried while talking about a raid at the plant, not the job. Moving on general news and financial services.