DOL seeking more authority in crackdown on child labor violations
DOL seeking more authority in crackdown on child labor violations Compliance Week
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The Department of Labor’s Crackdown on Child Labor Violations
By 
Adrianne Appel2024-03-12T16:56:00
Introduction
The Department of Labor (DOL) has recently intensified its efforts to combat child labor exploitation, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations.
Increased Enforcement
In fiscal year 2023, the DOL conducted investigations into 955 cases that resulted in violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) regarding child labor. This represents a 14 percent increase compared to FY2022. Shockingly, these cases involved nearly 5,800 children who were illegally employed, marking an 88 percent increase since 2019.
Penalties Imposed
During FY23, the DOL assessed more than $8 million in child labor civil penalties, demonstrating the seriousness with which they are addressing this issue.
Types of Violations
While many violations involved children who were legally allowed to work but were subjected to excessive working hours or late shifts, the most alarming rise was observed among children working in hazardous conditions. This includes industries such as meat processing plants and sawmills, where it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to work according to the FLSA.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to multiple SDGs. SDG 8 focuses on promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. The article discusses child labor exploitation, which is a violation of labor standards and undermines decent work. SDG 4 aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all, and child labor prevents children from accessing education. SDG 16 seeks to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions. The article highlights the Department of Labor’s enforcement efforts to address child labor violations, which aligns with SDG 16.
2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs 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.
- Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
The article highlights the Department of Labor’s enforcement efforts to address child labor violations, which align with Target 8.7 of SDG 8. The target aims to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery, and eliminate the worst forms of child labor. The increase in child labor cases investigated by the DOL indicates the need for immediate and effective measures to address this issue.
Additionally, Target 4.4 of SDG 4 is relevant as child labor prevents children from acquiring relevant skills and accessing quality education. By addressing child labor, more youth can have the opportunity to develop skills for decent employment and entrepreneurship.
Target 16.2 of SDG 16 is also relevant as it aims to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and violence against children. The article mentions children working in dangerous conditions, which constitutes exploitation and abuse. Strengthening enforcement efforts can contribute to ending such forms of violence against children.
3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress towards the Identified Targets
- Number of child labor cases investigated
- Number of violations of child labor laws
- Number of children illegally employed
- Total amount of child labor civil penalties assessed
- Number of children working in dangerous conditions
The article mentions that the Department of Labor investigated 955 cases resulting in violations of child labor laws. This indicates the number of cases that can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards Target 8.7 of SDG 8.
The increase in the number of children illegally employed, which has risen by 88 percent since 2019, can also serve as an indicator to measure progress towards Target 8.7.
The total amount of child labor civil penalties assessed by the agency during FY23 can be used as an indicator to measure the financial impact and enforcement efforts related to child labor violations.
The article specifically mentions children working in dangerous conditions, such as meat processing plants and sawmills. The number of children working in such environments can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards Target 16.2 of SDG 16.
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. |
|
| 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. |
|
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children. |
|
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Source: complianceweek.com
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