Iowa may lower fines for businesses violating child labor laws limiting hours kids work – Des Moines Register

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Proposed Rule Changes on Child Labor Laws in Iowa

Introduction

Businesses in Iowa that violate child labor laws may face reduced civil penalties under a proposed rule change. Critics argue that this change could be harmful to young workers. This article examines the proposed rule change and its potential impact on child labor in Iowa, with a focus on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Proposed Rule Changes

The proposed rule aims to cap civil penalties for businesses that violate the rules governing the time and hours that children may work at $2,500 per instance. This would be a significant reduction from the current fine of $10,000 per instance. The rule change follows the signing of legislation by Governor Kim Reynolds in 2023, which relaxed restrictions on child labor in Iowa.

Impact on Sustainable Development Goals

The proposed rule changes raise concerns about their alignment with the SDGs. SDG 8 focuses on promoting decent work and economic growth, while SDG 4 emphasizes the importance of quality education. By reducing penalties for child labor violations, there is a risk of compromising the well-being and education of young workers, potentially hindering their long-term development and contributing to inequalities.

Comparison with Federal Law

The new law in Iowa allows 14- and 15-year-olds to work until 9 p.m. on school nights and 11 p.m. during the summer, which is less restrictive than federal law. Federal regulations require younger teens to finish work by 7 p.m. during the school year and 9 p.m. during the summer. This difference raises concerns about potential conflicts between state and federal regulations and the need for consistent standards to protect young workers.

Criticism and Calls for Change

Critics, including Charlie Wishman, Iowa AFL-CIO president, argue that the proposed rule change reflects a trend of rolling back child labor standards in various states. Wishman calls on the governor and Iowa Legislature to reconsider these changes and align with federal guidelines to ensure the protection and well-being of child workers. Union leaders and education associations also express concerns about the potential negative impact on education and the safety of young workers.

Public Input and Potential Objections

The proposed rule changes are scheduled to take effect on February 12, unless a majority of the Legislature’s Administrative Rules Review Committee objects. If a supermajority of the committee votes to delay the implementation, the matter will be referred to a standing committee of the House or Senate. The committee may take various actions, including blocking the rule or introducing legislation related to the rule.

Conclusion

The proposed rule changes on child labor laws in Iowa have raised significant concerns among critics who argue that they could harm young workers and undermine the SDGs. The potential reduction in civil penalties for violations may compromise the well-being, education, and future prospects of child workers. It remains to be seen how the rule changes will be addressed and whether they will align with federal guidelines and international standards.

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

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 8, which focuses on promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. The article discusses proposed rule changes that would reduce civil penalties for businesses that violate child labor laws, potentially impacting the well-being and rights of young workers.

SDG 4: Quality Education

The issues highlighted in the article also have a connection to SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. The article mentions concerns about the impact of increased working hours on students’ education, indicating a potential conflict between work and education for young workers.

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

The proposed rule changes in the article could potentially impact the efforts to eradicate the worst forms of child labor, as they reduce civil penalties for businesses that violate child labor laws. This target aims to ensure the protection of children from exploitation and hazardous work conditions.

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 potential impact of increased working hours on students’ education mentioned in the article relates to this target. It highlights the importance of ensuring that young workers have access to quality education and are not hindered in their educational opportunities by long working hours.

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

The article does not explicitly mention any indicators related to the identified targets. However, Indicator 8.7.1, which measures the proportion and number of children engaged in child labor, can be used to assess progress towards Target 8.7. Additionally, Indicator 4.4.1, which measures the proportion of youth and adults with relevant skills for employment, can be used to monitor progress towards Target 4.4.

Source: desmoinesregister.com