Child labor law violations see spike, with some of the highest numbers in North Texas
Child labor law violations see spike, with some of the highest ... KERA News
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Federal Child Labor Law Violations on the Rise, Warns U.S. Department of Labor
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division has issued an advisory stating that federal child labor law violations are increasing this year.
Background
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) includes provisions to protect the employment of minors, such as limiting the number of hours they can work, specifying suitable work environments, and determining the equipment they can operate. Nationwide, the number of children employed in violation of federal labor laws has risen by 88% since 2019, with civil penalties increasing by 83% last year.
Increasing Violations in Dallas Area
In the Dallas area, child labor violations have increased by 67% between 2022 and 2023, resulting in a 1,000% rise in penalties imposed on employers. The Dallas district office currently has the second-highest number of cases in the U.S. for fiscal year 2023, with 35 cases involving 188 minors.
Common Violations
- Minors performing hazardous jobs for their age
- Working longer or later than legally allowed
- Working during school hours
- Operating motor vehicles, forklifts, or meat-processing machines
- Using vertical dough or batter mixers
Violations Beyond Manufacturing
Not only manufacturing, but other industries such as food processing and construction are also experiencing an increase in reported child labor violations. For example, a Taco Bell in Denton County was fined $10,920 last year for employing six minors in violation of the FLSA.
Possible Causes
The exact reasons behind the increase in violations are not clear. However, a rise in child injuries and fatalities on the job, particularly during overnight shifts, is partially responsible for the spike. The Wage and Hour Division has observed that manufacturing, food processing, and construction are among the industries with the highest number of reported cases.
According to Dana Friday, deputy district director for the Wage and Hour Division in Dallas, many investigations are initiated based on complaints from parents or third parties. Violations in the Dallas area division have involved minors aged younger than 14 up to 17. While some cases may involve willful violations, many occur because minors and their employers are unaware that they are breaking the law.
Efforts to Address the Issue
The Wage and Hour Division has launched a national strategic enforcement initiative on child labor to address the increase in violations. They encourage parents and minors to familiarize themselves with places and types of work that are off-limits for children under 18. Employers can access a best-practices guide for employing minors on the Department of Labor’s website.
Reporting Violations
The public can report potential child labor law violations or other labor matters by calling 1-866-4-USWAGE (1-866-487-9243).
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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
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 4.4: 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.
- SDG 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Number of children employed in violation of federal labor laws
- Civil penalties for child labor violations
- Percentage increase in child labor violations
- Number of cases involving minors
- Number of child injuries and fatalities on the job
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. | – Number of children employed in violation of federal labor laws – Civil penalties for child labor violations – Percentage increase in child labor violations |
| 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. | – Number of cases involving minors – Number of child injuries and fatalities on the job |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children. | – Number of children employed in violation of federal labor laws – Number of child injuries and fatalities on the job |
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: keranews.org
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