Editorial: Let kids be kids and leave child labor laws alone

Florida Considers Loosening Child Labor Laws, Including 16-Year-Old Roofers

Is a 16-year-old a child or an adult?

That’s a debatable question only in the Florida Legislature, where the bottom-line demands of business interests are more important than the health and well-being of our kids. The people who write our state laws claim they are pro-family — until it collides with profit and greed. That’s the bottom line.

Florida to consider loosening child labor laws, including 16-year-old roofers

The Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The proposed changes to Florida’s child labor laws have significant implications for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4: Quality Education, Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities.

The Current Child Labor Laws in Florida

The current child labor laws in Florida prohibit 16- and 17-year-olds from working after 11 p.m. or before 6:30 a.m., working more than eight hours on school nights, working more than 30 hours a week, and require them to have a break of 30 minutes every four hours.

The Proposed Changes

A bill (HB 49) is currently awaiting action in Tallahassee that seeks to loosen these child labor laws. If passed, 16-year-olds would be able to legally work all-night shifts, without breaks, even on school nights.

State Rep. Linda Chaney, R-St. Pete Beach, who is sponsoring the bill, argues that 16- and 17-year-olds are not children and should be treated as adults in the workplace.

The Influence of Business Interests

The push to loosen child labor laws in Florida is primarily driven by the influential hotel and restaurant industry, represented by the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA). The industry claims that the current labor laws are too restrictive and that they struggle to find enough employees to adequately staff their operations.

However, critics argue that these businesses are unwilling to pay their workers a living wage and are instead exploiting teenagers to expand their workforce. The industry strongly opposed a 2020 ballot initiative to increase Florida’s minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2026.

National Movement and Funding Sources

The weakening of child labor laws in Florida is part of a national movement, partly funded by ultra-right billionaire Dick Uihlein through his think tank, the Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA). The FGA also opposes the expansion of Medicaid.

The Impact on Workers’ Rights and Safety

While proponents argue that working at a young age can build a strong work ethic and teach valuable skills, critics are concerned about the potential exploitation of 16-year-olds. Allowing them to work all-night shifts at gas stations or convenience stores in dangerous neighborhoods raises serious safety concerns.

The Role of Democrats

Despite their opposition to the bill, Democrats were unable to stop its progress. They offered amendments to make the legislation more consumer-friendly, such as requiring businesses to keep records of sexual harassment incidents involving minors and allowing parents to access these records. However, all of these amendments were rejected by the Republican majority.

Conclusion

The proposed changes to Florida’s child labor laws prioritize business interests over the well-being of young workers. Weakening these protections goes against the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in terms of ensuring quality education, decent work, and reducing inequalities. It is crucial for lawmakers to consider the long-term impact on our children and uphold their rights and safety in the workplace.

The Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board includes Editor-in-Chief Julie Anderson, Opinion Editor Krys Fluker, and Viewpoints Editor Jay Reddick. The Sun Sentinel Editorial Board consists of Editorial Page Editor Steve Bousquet, Deputy Editorial Page Editor Dan Sweeney, editorial writer Martin Dyckman, and Anderson. Send letters to insight@orlandosentinel.com.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The article discusses the potential loosening of child labor laws in Florida, which directly relates to SDG 4, as it impacts the well-being and education of children. It also connects to SDG 8, as it involves the issue of decent work and economic growth, particularly in the hospitality industry. Furthermore, the article touches on SDG 10, as it highlights the potential exploitation of teenagers and the impact on inequality. Lastly, the article indirectly relates to SDG 16, as it discusses the role of legislation and institutions in protecting the rights of children.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education.
• 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 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age.
• Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.

Based on the article’s content, the targets mentioned above can be identified. These targets focus on ensuring quality education for children, eradicating child labor, promoting inclusivity regardless of age, and protecting children from exploitation and violence.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 4.1.1: Proportion of children and young people (a) in grades 2/3; (b) at the end of primary; and (c) at the end of lower secondary achieving at least a minimum proficiency level in (i) reading and (ii) mathematics, by sex.
• Indicator 8.7.1: Proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor, by sex and age group.
• Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities.
• Indicator 16.2.2: Number of victims of human trafficking per 100,000 population, by sex, age group, and form of exploitation.

The article does not explicitly mention indicators, but based on the identified targets, these indicators can be used to measure progress. These indicators focus on measuring the proficiency of children in reading and mathematics, the prevalence of child labor, income inequality by age, and the number of human trafficking victims.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

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: orlandosentinel.com

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