Consider this: Child labor – The Rochelle News-Leader
Consider this: Child labor Rochelle News-Leader
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Child Labor Laws in the United States: A Report on Recent Changes
Introduction
This report provides an overview of recent changes to child labor laws in the United States. It highlights the efforts of various states to revise their individual laws, with a particular focus on the potential impact on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The information presented is based on selected excerpts from the Washington Post article titled “America is divided over major efforts to rewrite child labor laws”, updated on April 5, which can be found at: www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/03/31/us-child-labor-laws-state-bills/.
Federal Laws and State Revisions
Under federal law, all minors are prohibited from working in hazardous jobs, such as manufacturing, roofing, meatpacking, and demolition. Additionally, 14- and 15-year-olds are not allowed to work past 7 p.m. on school nights or 9 p.m. on weekends. While these federal laws have been in place for some time, certain businesses in various states have been pushing the boundaries of these rules, leading to revisions at the state level.
State Actions
The Foundation for Government Accountability, a Florida-based lobbying group known for promoting conservative interests, has drafted or lobbied for bills to strip child labor protections in at least six states. For example, Indiana recently enacted a law repealing work-hour restrictions for 16- and 17-year-olds, allowing them to work past 10 p.m. on school days. Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law changes that permit 16- and 17-year-olds to work seven consecutive days and remove hour restrictions for teens in online or home school. Iowa and West Virginia have also passed laws expanding job opportunities for minors in certain industries.
Furthermore, several states, including Alabama, West Virginia, Missouri, and Georgia, are considering bills to eliminate work permit requirements for minors. Arkansas has already enacted a similar law. These changes have sparked debates about the potential consequences and implications for child labor.
Reasoning Behind the Changes
Labor experts attribute the increase in child labor violations to a tight labor market, prompting employers to hire more teens and migrant children. The driving factor for these changes appears to be the need to address labor market demands. However, questions arise regarding the motivations behind these revisions.
One perspective suggests that changing child labor laws allows businesses to avoid paying higher wages by employing children for extra hours in more dangerous jobs. Another interesting observation is the presence of migrant children in these jobs, raising questions about the contradiction between anti-immigration sentiments and the utilization of certain immigrants for labor that Americans may not be willing to undertake.
Implications and Concerns
The potential implications of these changes raise concerns about the well-being and safety of children in the workforce. While the need for additional income may be a driving force behind these revisions, it is crucial to consider whether subjecting children to longer working hours or more hazardous jobs is justified.
Moreover, some argue that increasing the workload on children may contribute to a broader dissatisfaction with democracy. The ease of changing or eliminating laws could be seen as a potential threat to individual freedoms. However, it is important to recognize that laws are often enacted to protect these freedoms and prevent their infringement by businesses, individuals, and governing bodies.
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 the potential changes being made to these laws in various states. This is connected to SDG 8, which aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. It is also connected 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?
- 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 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 potential changes to child labor laws, which relate to SDG 8.7’s target of eradicating the worst forms of child labor. The mention of migrant children working at these jobs also relates to SDG 10.7’s target of facilitating safe and responsible migration.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Number of child labor violations
- Changes in work-hour restrictions for minors
- Extent of hazardous jobs allowed for minors
- Existence of work permit requirements for minors
- Number of migrant children working in certain jobs
The article mentions that child labor violations have tripled in the past 10 years, indicating a potential indicator for measuring progress towards SDG 8.7. The changes in work-hour restrictions, allowance of hazardous jobs, and elimination of work permit requirements for minors can also serve as indicators. Additionally, the presence of migrant children working in certain jobs can be an indicator of progress towards SDG 10.7.
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 child labor violations – Changes in work-hour restrictions for minors – Extent of hazardous jobs allowed for minors – Existence of work permit requirements for minors |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 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. | – Number of migrant children working in certain jobs |
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Source: rochellenews-leader.com
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