Does US Manufacturing Have a Child Labor Problem?
Does US Manufacturing Have a Child Labor Problem? IndustryWeek
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Child Labor Violations on the Rise in US Manufacturing Industry
The manufacturing industry has been grappling with a talent gap for over three decades, but recent developments have raised concerns about the welfare of children in the workforce. According to the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division, there has been a significant increase in child labor law violations in the United States, including within the manufacturing sector.
Statistics on Child Labor Violations
In fiscal year 2023, the Department of Labor conducted 955 investigations, uncovering a 14% increase in child labor violations compared to 2022. These investigations revealed that 5,800 minors were illegally employed in 2023, marking an alarming 88% rise since 2019.
Industries Impacted by Child Labor Violations
Jennifer Sherer of the Economic Policy Institute highlighted that while the restaurant industry is the most frequent violator, manufacturing companies have also been found employing minors for hazardous work. This has resulted in not only violations of child labor laws but also injuries and, in some cases, fatalities among teenage workers.
Recent Incidents of Child Labor in Manufacturing
- In 2022, Packers Sanitation Services Inc. was found to have employed over 100 minors aged 13 to 17 in hazardous work, with three sustaining injuries from harsh chemicals.
- In 2023, reports emerged of Hyundai and Kia suppliers in Alabama using temp agencies to hire children for parts factories with dangerous equipment.
- Also in 2023, a 16-year-old boy died from injuries sustained while working at Florence Hardwoods sawmill in Wisconsin.
Federal vs. State Child Labor Standards
Sherer notes that federal child labor standards have seen little change since the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. As a result, federal laws are often more lenient than state laws, leading to discrepancies in work permit requirements for minors across different states and industries.
Restrictions on Hazardous Work for Minors
Federal law specifically restricts minors from engaging in “hazardous” operations. It is illegal for any company in the U.S. to employ minors for work involving any of the 17 conditions deemed “hazardous,” such as sawmill operations, power-driven metal forming machines, and meat-packing equipment.
Aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- The rise in child labor violations directly contradicts SDG Goal 8, which aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
- Ensuring compliance with child labor laws aligns with SDG Goal 16, which focuses on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, providing access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable institutions at all levels.
Addressing these violations is crucial not only for the well-being of minors but also for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals set forth by the United Nations. It is imperative that manufacturers and regulatory bodies work together to enforce child labor laws and protect the rights of young workers.
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SDGs Addressed in the Article
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
Specific Targets Under the SDGs
Based on the content of the article, the following specific targets can be identified:
- 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, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labor in all its forms.
- Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
Indicators in the Article
While the article does not explicitly mention indicators, the following can be implied for measuring progress towards the identified targets:
- Indicator for Target 8.7: The number of child labor violations recorded by the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division.
- Indicator for Target 10.2: The number of incidents involving manufacturing companies employing minors to do dangerous work.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.7: Eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labor in all its forms. | The number of child labor violations recorded by the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division. |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status. | The number of incidents involving manufacturing companies employing minors to do dangerous work. |
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Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.
Fuente: industryweek.com
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