Employment Authority: The Resistance To Child Labor Rules – Law360

Law360 Employment Authority: Weekly Report

Introduction

Law360 Employment Authority provides comprehensive coverage of the biggest employment cases and trends. In this week’s report, we highlight the efforts of a group of Republican states to challenge the U.S. Department of Labor’s actions against unlawful child labor. Additionally, we discuss how state-level pay transparency laws can facilitate wage data collection for businesses. Lastly, we present five significant cases that have the potential to impact labor law.

Republican States Push Back on U.S. Department of Labor’s Efforts to Tackle Unlawful Child Labor

A coalition of Republican states is currently opposing the U.S. Department of Labor’s initiatives aimed at addressing unlawful child labor practices. These states argue that the Department’s actions exceed its authority and encroach upon state jurisdiction. The case raises important questions regarding the balance between federal and state powers in regulating labor practices.

The Role of State-Level Pay Transparency Laws in Wage Data Collection

We explore how state-level pay transparency laws can simplify the process of gathering wage data for businesses. By mandating employers to disclose salary ranges and other relevant information, these laws promote fairness and equality in compensation. Furthermore, they enable companies to assess their own pay practices and identify potential disparities.

Five Cases to Keep an Eye On

1. Case 1: Impact of Gig Economy on Labor Law
2. Case 2: Arbitration Agreements and Employee Rights
3. Case 3: Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation
4. Case 4: Worker Classification in the Tech Industry
5. Case 5: Protections for Whistleblowers

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• Goal 1: No Poverty
• Goal 5: Gender Equality
• Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
• Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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

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 10.4: Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage, and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality.

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

• Indicator for Target 8.7: Number of children engaged in child labor.
• Indicator for Target 10.4: Wage gap between different social groups.

Explanation:

The article discusses how a group of Republican states is pushing back on the U.S. Department of Labor’s efforts to tackle unlawful child labor. This issue relates to SDG 8, specifically Target 8.7, which aims to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and eliminate the worst forms of child labor. The number of children engaged in child labor can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards this target.

The article also mentions state-level pay transparency laws that can make it easier for businesses to collect wage data. This issue is connected to SDG 10, particularly Target 10.4, which focuses on adopting policies to achieve greater equality, including wage policies. The wage gap between different social groups can serve as an indicator to track progress towards this target.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: law360.com