Child labor violations on rise, WV lawmakers want to make it easier for kids to work – Charleston Gazette-Mail
Child labor violations on rise, WV lawmakers want to make it easier for kids to work Charleston Gazette-Mail
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West Virginia Lawmakers Prioritize Removing Work Permit Requirements for Young Workers
West Virginia lawmakers are focusing on addressing the state’s workforce challenges by prioritizing the passage of a bill this session to remove work permit requirements for 14 and 15-year-olds. The measure aims to replace the existing permit, which currently requires school approval, with a simple age certificate from the state Division of Labor and written parental consent.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Goal 4: Quality Education
Benefits of Removing Work Permit Requirements
- Streamlined Process: The proposed change would simplify the process for young workers to obtain employment, eliminating the need for school approval and reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
- Increased Opportunities: By removing work permit requirements, more job opportunities would be available to young workers, allowing them to gain valuable skills and experience at an early age.
- Promoting Economic Growth: Allowing young workers to enter the workforce without cumbersome permit requirements can contribute to the overall economic growth of the state.
Support for the Bill
Sen. Rollan Roberts (center), R-Raleigh, is a strong advocate for removing work permit requirements. He believes that this change aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, by creating a more inclusive and accessible job market for young individuals.
Sen. Roberts emphasizes the importance of providing quality education and practical work experience to young people, as it sets the foundation for their future success. By removing work permit requirements, the bill aims to support Goal 4: Quality Education, by allowing young workers to gain hands-on experience and develop essential skills.
Conclusion
The proposed bill to remove work permit requirements for 14 and 15-year-olds in West Virginia aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and Goal 4: Quality Education. By simplifying the process and increasing job opportunities for young workers, the state can promote economic growth and provide valuable experiences for its future workforce.
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
The article discusses a bill in West Virginia that aims to remove work permit requirements for 14 and 15-year-olds. This issue is related to SDG 8, which focuses on promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work 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 article highlights the proposed bill’s intention to simplify the work permit process for young workers. By removing the existing permit requirement and replacing it with a simple age certificate and parental consent, the bill aims to reduce barriers to employment for 14 and 15-year-olds. This aligns with Target 8.7, which aims to eliminate the worst forms of child labor and ensure the prohibition and eradication of forced labor and human trafficking.
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.
The article does not explicitly mention any indicators, but it implies the need to track the number of 14 and 15-year-olds who are able to enter the workforce without the need for a work permit. This data would be relevant to Indicator 8.7.1, which measures the proportion and number of children engaged in child labor.
4. 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 8.7.1: Proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor, by sex and age group. |
Source: wvgazettemail.com
