Department of Labor: New Iowa child labor laws are ‘inconsistent’ with laws at federal level
Department of Labor: New Iowa child labor laws are 'inconsistent' with laws at federal level KCCI Des Moines
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Child Labor Law in Iowa Raises Concerns
After Gov. Kim Reynolds passed a sweeping child labor law in May, businesses were set to be able to give workers under the age of 18 more hours later into the night.
Inconsistencies with Federal Child Labor Laws
A letter sent from the U.S. Department of Labor to Iowa lawmakers just over a week ago said some regulations lying within the bill are “inconsistent” with the same laws at the federal level. In it, the letter says the Iowa law allows 16- and 17-year-olds to operate dangerous power-driven machines, engage in heavy manufacturing, and work in demolition — all of which are banned under federal child labor laws.
The letter also states Iowa law provides exceptions for some jobs if the teenagers are enrolled in a work-based learning program or an apprenticeship. However, those exceptions are not allowed in federal law.
Prohibited Jobs for Teens
According to the letter, states can pass more restrictive laws but cannot loosen child labor requirements by signing less protective laws. As a result, jobs requiring the following would be prohibited for teens:
- Power-driven hoisting apparatuses
- Power-driven baking machines
- Brick and tile manufacturing
- Wrecking, demolition or shipbreaking operations
Request for Clarity
Some Democratic Iowa lawmakers have asked for a state-specific fact sheet explaining the laws so businesses can understand what is and isn’t allowed under federal law. The Department of Labor has requested the Iowa Department of Inspection, Appeals, and Licensing to provide this fact sheet. However, there has been no progress update so far.
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
The article discusses child labor laws and their impact on the work hours and job restrictions for workers under the age of 18. This relates to SDG 8, which aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. Additionally, the mention of work-based learning programs and apprenticeships connects to SDG 4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities 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.
- 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.
The article highlights the inconsistencies between Iowa’s child labor law and federal child labor laws, indicating a need to address and eradicate the worst forms of child labor (Target 8.7). Additionally, the mention of work-based learning programs and apprenticeships suggests a focus on providing relevant skills for employment and decent jobs (Target 4.4).
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article does not explicitly mention any indicators to measure progress towards the identified targets. However, potential indicators could include:
- Number of cases or instances of child labor violations
- Number of work-based learning programs and apprenticeships available for teenagers
- Percentage of teenagers enrolled in work-based learning programs or apprenticeships
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 cases or instances of child labor violations – Progress in eradicating the worst forms of child labor |
| 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 work-based learning programs and apprenticeships available for teenagers – Percentage of teenagers enrolled in work-based learning programs or apprenticeships |
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: kcci.com
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