Bill to eliminate work permits in Wisconsin comes amid national push to loosen child labor laws
Bill would eliminate Wisconsin work permits for 14- and 15-year-olds Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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Proposal to Eliminate Work Permits for Young Employees in Wisconsin
Three Republican lawmakers in Wisconsin have introduced a proposal to eliminate work permits for 14- and 15-year-olds. This proposal aligns with a national trend of loosening regulations for young workers. However, it comes at a time when child labor violations are on the rise, raising concerns about the protection of young workers.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Goal 4: Quality Education
- Goal 5: Gender Equality
Background
Sen. Cory Tomczyk, R-Mosinee, and Rep. Clint Moses, R-Menomonie, who are both business owners, introduced the proposal last week along with Rep. Amy Binsfeld, R-Sturgeon Bay. They argue that work permits are unnecessary administrative barriers that slow down the hiring process. The authors believe that young people should have the opportunity to work without excessive government regulation.
Impact on Young Workers
If passed, the bill would effectively eliminate work permits for young employees in Wisconsin. The state law already removed the requirement for 16- and 17-year-olds in 2017. However, labor groups like the Wisconsin AFL-CIO oppose this proposal, as they believe work permits protect young workers from exploitation and give parents a say in their child’s employment.
Work Permit Applications Moved Online
The bill authors argue that the proposal would eliminate the need for in-person locations like schools to issue work permits. However, as of July, schools and clerk’s offices no longer issue work permits after the state Department of Workforce Development introduced an online portal for obtaining permits. The authors did not provide a reason for introducing the bill after the process moved online.
Other States’ Approach to Work Permits
The bill authors point out that work permits are not required by federal law, and several states, including Indiana and Arkansas, have recently eliminated work permit requirements for any age. In the past two years, lawmakers in at least 11 largely Republican-led states have loosened child labor laws.
Child Labor Violations on the Rise
The push to loosen child labor laws comes at a time when child labor violations are increasing. A Wisconsin-based food safety sanitation company was fined $1.5 million earlier this year for illegally employing more than 100 children in eight states. Additionally, a recent sawmill accident involving a 16-year-old boy has led to federal investigations and a labor standards case. The boy was performing work that is prohibited by state law based on his age.
Another Proposal: Lowering the Alcohol Serving Age
Another proposal that would change state regulations for young employees is also under consideration. The bill would allow 14- to 17-year-olds to serve alcohol to seated customers in restaurants. Proponents argue that this measure would help address workforce shortages in the restaurant industry.
Conclusion
The proposed bill to eliminate work permits for young employees in Wisconsin is part of a larger trend of loosening child labor laws in several states. However, critics argue that these measures may expose young workers to exploitation and unsafe working conditions. The bill would need to go through the legislative process before reaching the full Assembly and Senate, where it is likely to face opposition from Democratic lawmakers and potential veto from the Governor.
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 | Indicator: Number of child labor violations reported or identified |
| 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: Number of work permits issued for minors |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
The article discusses a proposal by Republican lawmakers to eliminate work permits for 14- and 15-year-olds. This proposal is connected to SDG 8, which aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
SDG 4: Quality Education
The article mentions the requirement for work permits for minors and the recent introduction of an online portal to obtain these permits. This is related to SDG 4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.
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
The proposal to eliminate work permits for young employees in Wisconsin is connected to Target 8.7, as it raises concerns about potential exploitation and unsafe working conditions for minors.
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 requirement for work permits for minors and the online portal introduced to obtain these permits are related to Target 4.4, as they are part of the process to ensure that young people have the necessary skills and opportunities for employment.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article mentions child labor violations and a Wisconsin-based company that illegally employed more than 100 children. These incidents can serve as indicators to measure progress towards Target 8.7, as a decrease in child labor violations would indicate effective measures to eradicate forced labor and eliminate the worst forms of child labor.
The article also refers to the number of work permits issued for minors. This can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards Target 4.4, as an increase in the number of permits issued would indicate an improvement in providing relevant skills and employment opportunities for young people.
4. 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 | Indicator: Number of child labor violations reported or identified |
| 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: Number of work permits issued for minors |
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Source: jsonline.com
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