As child labor laws are weakened in other states, Maine reports rise in youth worker injuries – Maine Beacon
As child labor laws are weakened in other states, Maine reports rise in youth worker injuries mainebeacon.com
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The Rise of Labor Violations and Injuries Among Youth Workers in Maine
The Maine Department of Labor reported an upward trend in labor violations involving youth workers in the second quarter of 2023.
Increase in Injury Claims
In addition, the department revealed that there were more injury claims filed by workers aged 14 to 17 in 2022 than in any of the previous 10 years. The number of injury reports filed last year (325) was double the amount in 2012 (162). Notable injuries included a minor amputating their right index finger while working at Maloy’s Yard Care in Lisbon Falls and a youth employee getting injured using a meat slicer at Arby’s in Presque Isle.
National Trend and Concerns
This rise in labor violations and injuries among youth workers is occurring as some states across the country are attempting to loosen their child labor laws. This trend raises concerns about the safety and well-being of young workers.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 4: Quality Education
- Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
- Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
Maine Department of Labor’s Response
The Maine Department of Labor (DOL) emphasized its commitment to the safety of all workers, especially youth workers. Michael Roland, the director of the department’s Bureau of Labor Standards, stated that most employers comply with state and federal labor laws designed to protect minors. However, the DOL has observed an increase in work permit denials, violations of child-protective labor laws, and reported injuries to minors.
Increase in Teenage Labor
The Maine DOL noted that employers are increasingly hiring teenagers due to a tight labor market. This trend is reflected in the nearly 75% growth in work permit applications for minors from 2017 to 2022. In 2023 alone, the department received over 4,700 work permit applications, denying about 200 due to hazardous occupations prohibited by law.
Concerns and Investigations
The department expressed serious concern about the rise in injuries among youth workers. In the second quarter of 2023, the DOL conducted three investigations involving youth workers who were injured while performing dangerous jobs they were not legally allowed to do. Several businesses, including Becky’s Diner, Friendly Discount, Junction Bowl, TD Logging, Maloy’s Yard Care, and Wilcox Dawson Wilcox (Arby’s), were found to be in violation of the state’s laws regarding youth workers.
Efforts to Improve Regulations
Becky’s Diner, which received numerous violations related to youth workers, has worked with the state to address the issues and has implemented stricter regulations. However, other cited businesses did not respond to requests for comment.
Rollback of Child Labor Laws
The increase in injuries among teen workers in Maine coincides with efforts in 11 states to weaken child labor protections. Conservative politicians and industry trade groups have been pushing for these changes. The U.S. Department of Labor has also expressed concern about the illicit employment of children by businesses, calling for increased accountability and enforcement.
Importance of Child Labor Protections
Seema Nanda, the U.S. solicitor of labor, criticized the loosening of child labor laws, stating that it is irresponsible and dangerous to hire children for potentially hazardous jobs. Despite these concerns, some states, including Arkansas, Iowa, New Jersey, and New Hampshire, have approved measures to relax child labor protections.
Maine’s History with Child Labor Laws
During former Governor Paul LePage’s tenure in Maine, there was a push to roll back certain child worker protection laws. This included increasing the amount of time teenagers could work and allowing them to engage in previously restricted industries and hazardous work with proper training.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labor in all its forms. | Indicator 8.7.1: Proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor, by sex and age group (child labor) |
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship. | Indicator 4.4.1: Proportion of youth (aged 15-24 years) not in education, employment, or training (NEET) |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
The article discusses labor violations and injuries involving youth workers, highlighting the need for decent work conditions and the elimination of child labor.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The article mentions injuries suffered by youth workers, indicating the importance of ensuring good health and well-being in the workplace.
SDG 4: Quality Education
The article touches on the issue of youth workers being employed instead of pursuing education, emphasizing the need for relevant skills and education for employment.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labor in all its forms.
The article highlights labor violations involving youth workers, indicating the need to address child labor and ensure their protection.
Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
The article mentions injuries suffered by youth workers, suggesting the importance of preventing workplace hazards and ensuring a safe working environment.
Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship.
The article discusses the trend of teenagers being employed instead of pursuing education, highlighting the need to provide relevant skills and education for youth employment.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Indicator 8.7.1: Proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor, by sex and age group (child labor)
The article mentions labor violations involving youth workers, indicating the presence of child labor that can be measured using this indicator.
Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution
Although not explicitly mentioned in the article, the injuries suffered by youth workers may be related to workplace hazards, including air pollution. This indicator can be used to measure progress in reducing workplace hazards.
Indicator 4.4.1: Proportion of youth (aged 15-24 years) not in education, employment, or training (NEET)
The article discusses the trend of teenagers being employed instead of pursuing education. This indicator can be used to measure the proportion of youth not engaged in education or employment.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labor in all its forms. | Indicator 8.7.1: Proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor, by sex and age group (child labor) |
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship. | Indicator 4.4.1: Proportion of youth (aged 15-24 years) not in education, employment, or training (NEET) |
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Source: mainebeacon.com
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