Child labor law violations in Fall River, behind the failed Star Store-UMass Dartmouth deal, and more – TPR: The Public’s Radio

Child labor law violations in Fall River, behind the failed Star Store-UMass Dartmouth deal, and more  The Public's Radio

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Sep 28, 2024 - 11:00
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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Article: Lawsuit Claims Seafood Processing Plant Employed Underage Migrant Workers

A seafood processing plant in Fall River is at the heart of a new lawsuit that claims the plant employed underage migrant workers – and says the teens were exposed to potentially dangerous conditions. The suit comes a year after an investigation by The Public’s Radio into possible child labor violations at seafood processors in New Bedford. Also, a year after UMass Dartmouth abruptly closed its arts campus at the Star Store in New Bedford, an investigation by the Massachusetts Inspector General gives us a clearer picture of what exactly happened and who’s to blame. And we hear a studio session with Providence-based jazz combo, the Leland Baker Trio. That and more on this week’s show.

Links:

Guests:

  • Nina Sparling, The Public’s Radio reporter
  • Ian Donnis, The Public’s Radio political reporter
  • Ben Berke, The Public’s Radio South Coast Bureau reporter

The Weekly Catch is a production of The Public’s Radio. Our host is Luis Hernandez. Our assistant producer is Joe Tasca. Our producer is James Baumgarter. Our editor is Mareva Lindo. Thanks to Maddie Mott for our podcast artwork. Our Chief Content Officer is Sally Eisele, and our President and CEO is Pam Johnston.

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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 4: Quality Education
  • SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The article mentions a lawsuit claiming that a seafood processing plant employed underage migrant workers, which relates to SDG 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth. It also mentions a previous investigation into possible child labor violations, which connects to SDG 4 on Quality Education. Additionally, the article mentions an investigation by the Massachusetts Inspector General, which relates to SDG 16 on Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

  • SDG 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.
  • SDG 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development.
  • SDG 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets identified are SDG 8.7 on eradicating child labor, SDG 4.7 on promoting education for sustainable development and human rights, and SDG 16.3 on promoting the rule of law and equal access to justice.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

  • Indicator for SDG 8.7: Number of children engaged in child labor in hazardous work.
  • Indicator for SDG 4.7: Percentage of schools that have integrated education for sustainable development into their curricula.
  • Indicator for SDG 16.3: Number of legal cases related to child labor violations and access to justice for affected individuals.

The article does not explicitly mention indicators, but based on the identified targets, potential indicators could include the number of children engaged in hazardous child labor, the percentage of schools integrating education for sustainable development, and the number of legal cases related to child labor violations and access to justice.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

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 children engaged in child labor in hazardous work.
SDG 4: Quality Education Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development. Indicator: Percentage of schools that have integrated education for sustainable development into their curricula.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all. Indicator: Number of legal cases related to child labor violations and access to justice for affected individuals.

Source: thepublicsradio.org