Child as young as 11 operated forklift at Kentucky distribution center, authorities say
Child as young as 11 operated forklift at Kentucky distribution center ... NBC News
sdgtalks
Report: Kentucky Distribution Center Fined for Employing Children
A Kentucky distribution center has been fined $30,000 by the U.S. Department of Labor for illegally employing two children, one of whom operated a forklift. The incident took place at Win.It America Inc.’s warehouse in Hebron, located about 20 miles west of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Violation of Child Labor Laws
- The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division discovered the employment of an 11-year-old and a 13-year-old at the distribution center in August.
- One child was found to be operating a forklift, which is considered hazardous for workers under 18, while the other child was picking up orders in the warehouse, which is prohibited for workers under 16.
- The children were also working more hours than legally allowed and violated federal regulations that forbid employing workers under 14 years of age in non-agricultural occupations.
Legal Actions Taken
The U.S. Department of Labor obtained a federal consent judgment on September 8, requiring the operator of the Hebron warehouse to cease employing children and warning against future violations of federal child labor laws.
Penalties and Compliance Training
The court ordered Win.IT America to pay $30,276 in civil money penalties. Additionally, the company must hire a third-party consultant to provide semi-annual compliance training for all management personnel for a period of three years.
About Win.IT America Inc.
Win.IT America Inc. is the U.S. branch of WinIT Information Technology Co., a Shanghai-based integrated supply chain solutions provider. The company has over 700 employees in the U.S., Australia, Germany, and Great Britain.
Increasing Concerns about Child Labor Violations
Wage and Hour Division Regional Administrator Juan Coria in Atlanta expressed alarm over the increasing number of child labor violations in the U.S. He emphasized that employers have a responsibility to ensure they are not illegally employing children and that swift action will be taken to hold them accountable.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 4: Quality Education – Ensuring that children have access to education and are not engaged in hazardous work.
- Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Promoting safe and secure working environments for all workers, including children.
- Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Enforcing laws and regulations to protect the rights of children and hold violators accountable.
Child Labor Violations in the U.S.
In the fiscal year of 2022, the U.S. Department of Labor identified child labor violations involving nearly 4,000 children nationwide, representing an increase of over 60% in the past five years.
SDGs, Targets, and 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 8.7.1: Proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor, by sex and age group.
- Indicator 8.7.2: Number of victims of human trafficking per 100,000 population, by sex, age group, and form of exploitation.
Analysis
The issues highlighted in the article are related to child labor, specifically the illegal employment of two children at a distribution center in Kentucky. Based on the content of the article, the following analysis can be made:
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The main SDG addressed in the article is SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. This goal aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. The issue of child labor directly relates to this goal as it involves the exploitation of children in the workforce.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
The specific target under SDG 8 that can be identified based on the article’s content is 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. This target specifically addresses the issue of child labor and calls for action to eliminate its worst forms.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article does not explicitly mention any indicators related to child labor. However, Indicator 8.7.1 can be used to measure progress towards Target 8.7. This indicator measures the proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor, by sex and age group. It provides data on the extent of child labor and helps track efforts to eliminate it.
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. | Indicator 8.7.1: Proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor, by sex and age group. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: nbcnews.com
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
