Iowa labor groups decry proposed changes to child labor law fines – KCRG
Iowa labor groups decry proposed changes to child labor law fines KCRG
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Iowa Labor Groups Call for Reversal of Proposed Changes to Child Labor Laws
Iowa Capitol Bureau
DES MOINES, Iowa – Iowa labor groups are urging Republicans to reconsider proposed changes to the state’s child labor laws. The potential rules, introduced by the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing, would result in reduced fines for businesses found in violation of these laws. It is important to align these changes with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure the protection and well-being of children.
Lower Fines for Violations
Under the current regulations, employers who exceed the permitted working hours or employ minors late into the day can face fines of up to $10,000 per instance. However, the proposed changes would cap these fines at $2,500, significantly reducing the financial consequences for non-compliant businesses.
Concerns Raised by Labor Activists
Labor activists highlighted that previous legislation passed by Republican lawmakers in 2023 already made it easier for businesses to exploit child labor by allowing teenagers to work longer hours and later in the day. Charlie Wishman from Iowa AFL-CIO expressed concerns that the additional changes would exacerbate the problem and called for a reconsideration of these policies.
Protecting Education and Future Growth
The Iowa State Education Association, represented by President Joshua Brown, opposes the proposed changes due to the strong link between child labor protections and education. Brown emphasized that loosening child labor laws and reducing the consequences for violations would negatively impact students’ academic responsibilities and hinder their future growth.
Legislative Decision in February
The fate of the proposed rule changes lies in the hands of the legislators on the Administrative Rules Committee. They are scheduled to meet in February to determine whether to adopt, reject, or delay the implementation of these changes. State Representative Sami Scheetz (D-Cedar Rapids) highlighted that legislators have the power to influence the outcome based on their evaluation of the proposed rules.
Clarification from DIAL
Stefanie Bond, a spokesperson for the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing, clarified that the rule changes primarily address time and hour violations, rather than workplace safety or hazardous conditions violations. Bond emphasized that the fines for child labor violations in Iowa have always been separate from federal fines.
Read the Proposed Rules
Contact Information
- Conner Hendricks – Email: conner.hendricks@gray.tv, Facebook: Conner Hendricks TV, Twitter: @ConnerReports, TikTok: @ConnerReports
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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 4: Quality Education
The article discusses proposed changes to Iowa’s child labor laws, which directly relate to SDG 8, which aims to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment, and decent work for all. It also mentions the link between child labor protections and education, connecting 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 proposed changes to Iowa’s child labor laws raise concerns about the potential exploitation of child labor, which goes against the target of eradicating the worst forms of child labor (Target 8.7). Additionally, the link between child labor protections and education highlights the importance of ensuring that young people have the necessary 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?
- Indicator 8.7.1: Proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor, by sex and age group.
- Indicator 4.4.1: Proportion of youth and adults with information and communications technology (ICT) skills, by type of skill.
The article does not explicitly mention any indicators related to child labor or skills development. However, Indicator 8.7.1 can be used to measure progress in eradicating child labor, specifically by tracking the proportion and number of children engaged in child labor. Indicator 4.4.1 can be used to measure progress in equipping youth and adults with relevant skills, including ICT skills, for employment.
4. 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. | Indicator 8.7.1: Proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor, by sex and age group. |
| 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. | Indicator 4.4.1: Proportion of youth and adults with information and communications technology (ICT) skills, by type of skill. |
Source: kcrg.com
