Child labor law differences at state and federal levels leading to potential fines for restaurant owners

Child Labor Laws in Iowa Restaurants

Introduction

Due to a difference in child labor laws at the state and federal levels, some Iowa restaurants could be punished despite following state regulations.

State Regulations vs Federal Law

1. In a law passed last year, Iowa restaurants were allowed to have teenagers work later into the night.

• Teenagers aged 14 and 15 could work as late as 9 p.m. on school nights and 11 p.m. in the summer.
• However, the U.S. Department of Labor has been issuing fines to several Iowa restaurants for breaking federal law.

• At the federal level, teenagers must be off the clock by 7 p.m. on school nights and 9 p.m. in the summer, which is two hours earlier than the state regulations.
• This difference in regulations could cost restaurant owners tens of thousands of dollars.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This issue relates to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations:

• Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities

Concerns and Consequences

The president and CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association, Jessica Dunker, expressed her concerns about the situation.

She stated, “People will be put out of business because they dared to follow what our state legislature said was okay without any opportunity to mitigate the situation. Without any warning, without any opportunity for compliance, that, to me, is targeted and selective enforcement.”

Investigations and Violations

The U.S. Department of Labor has conducted several investigations resulting in child labor violations in Iowa.

One Iowa restaurant owner is facing fines of over $100,000, but they were not willing to speak on camera.

The department also highlighted that this problem is not unique to Iowa and similar violations have occurred in other states.

Statements from Officials

Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a statement supporting the Iowa law, stating that it provides “tailored, common sense labor provisions that will allow young adults to develop their skills in the workforce.”

Senator Chuck Grassley also issued a statement, expressing his belief that “the Department of Labor ought to be working closely with Iowa businesses, not targeting them.” He intends to write to the labor department to urge improved communication for better navigation of labor laws by small businesses and families in Iowa.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

The article discusses child labor laws and their impact on Iowa restaurants. This connects to SDG 8, which focuses on promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. It also relates to SDG 10, which aims to reduce inequalities within and among countries.

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.
• Target 10.7: Facilitate orderly, safe, regular, and responsible migration and mobility of people, including through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies.

The article highlights the issue of child labor violations in Iowa restaurants. Target 8.7 specifically addresses eradicating the worst forms of child labor. Additionally, Target 10.7 relates to ensuring safe and responsible migration policies, as child labor laws vary between state and federal levels.

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.
• Indicator 10.7.1: Recruitment cost borne by employee as a proportion of yearly income earned in country of destination.

The article does not explicitly mention indicators, but based on the identified targets, potential indicators can be used to measure progress. Indicator 8.7.1 measures the proportion and number of children engaged in child labor, which aligns with Target 8.7. Indicator 10.7.1 measures the recruitment cost borne by employees, which relates to Target 10.7.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: kcci.com