Column – For the Children: Part 2; Child labor is poor solution to worker shortages

Column - For the Children: Part 2; Child labor is poor solution to worker shortages  Duncan Banner

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Dec 6, 2023 - 14:30
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Column – For the Children: Part 2; Child labor is poor solution to worker shortages

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

In last week’s column, a study commissioned by state Rep. Judd Strom and Labor Commissioner Leslie Osborn was discussed. The study examined the extension of working hours for young people in other states and its potential impact on their education and future job prospects.

The Impact of Extended Work Hours

A disturbing trend has been observed nationally, where lawmakers in several states have removed important protections for young people, allowing them to work longer hours in the evenings. This trend statistically locks them into low-skill, low-wage jobs instead of pursuing educational opportunities that could lead to higher earnings and better career prospects.

Oklahoma’s Child Labor Laws

  1. A minor under 16 years old may work up to three (3) hours on school days (Monday to Friday).
  2. A minor under 16 years old may work up to eight (8) hours on non-school days.
  3. A minor under 16 years old may work up to 18 hours in a school week.
  4. A minor under 16 years old may work up to 40 hours in non-school weeks if school is out for the entire week and attendance is not compulsory.
  5. A minor under 16 years old may not work overtime.

Working Hours Restrictions

  • In the traditional school year (Tuesday after Labor Day to May 31), a minor under 16 years old may not work before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m.
  • If the employer is not subject to the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, a minor may work until 9 p.m. throughout the year on days followed by a non-school day.
  • During the traditional summer (June 1 to Labor Day), a minor under 16 years old may not work before 7 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
  • There are no restrictions on working hours or times once the minor reaches 16 years old.

Hazardous Occupations

According to the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, there are 17 hazardous occupations in which a minor must be at least 18 years old to be employed, even if the parent owns the business. These job prohibitions under federal law can be found at https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/youthlabor/hazardousjobs.

Break Laws for Minors

For minors under 16 years old:

  • A 14- or 15-year-old must be permitted a one (1) hour cumulative rest period for eight (8) consecutive hours worked.
  • A 14- or 15-year-old must be permitted a 30-minute rest period for five (5) consecutive hours worked.

Employers are required to document break periods for minors under 16 years old. Once the minor reaches 16 years old, there are no requirements for breaks or lunches.

National Concerns

The U.S. Labor Department has reported a 69% increase since 2018 in the number of children being employed illegally nationwide. They currently have over 600 child labor investigations underway. Officials are particularly concerned about the potential exploitation of migrants who may not even have a parent in the United States.

Recent Legislative Actions

The Economic Policy Institute has noted that several states have recently proposed or enacted laws extending the hours that 14- and 15-year-olds can work. New Jersey and New Hampshire passed such laws in 2022, with New Hampshire lowering the age for minors to bus tables where alcohol is served from 15 to 14 and increasing the number of hours per week that 16- and 17-year-olds can work. Some bills have also proposed paying young workers below a state’s minimum wage and allowing them to do more hazardous jobs.

Oklahoma’s Approach

Oklahoma should not follow suit with what these other states are implementing. It is important to prioritize the education and well-being of young people, ensuring they have access to quality educational opportunities and are protected from exploitation in the workforce.

Conclusion

Next week, a review of research into the harm caused by diminishing the restrictions placed on young people in the workforce will be conducted.

Contact Information

Joe Dorman is the CEO for the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy. For more information, please call 405-833-1117 or email jdorman@oica.org.

 

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