Labor and Industry Details

Harrisburg, PA – Increase in Pennsylvania Child Labor Act Cases

Harrisburg, PA – As many celebrate Labor Day and highlight the worker protections achieved through the efforts of America’s labor movement, Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Nancy A. Walker today announced L&I has seen a dramatic increase in Pennsylvania Child Labor Act cases referred to the Department for investigation, after committing to make child labor law violations a priority upon taking office in January. Since then, L&I has opened 403 child labor investigations compared to 107 cases during the same time period last year – a 276% increase.

Concerning Trend in Child Labor Cases

“While we can only speculate on the reason for such a surge in child labor cases, this is a concerning trend involving Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable workers. I want teens, parents, school employees, co-workers, local law enforcement and the general public to know that L&I investigates all potential violations of the Child Labor Act. I want employers to know that we will hold you accountable if we determine that a violation has occurred,” Walker said.

Protecting Workers Under the Age of 18

Secretary Walker is reminding workers under the age of 18 of the protections afforded to them by law and is encouraging employers across Pennsylvania to familiarize themselves with Pennsylvania’s Child Labor Act to ensure they are in full compliance with the law.

Pennsylvania’s Child Labor Act

Pennsylvania’s Child Labor Act, enforced by L&I’s Bureau of Labor Law Compliance (BLLC), protects the health, safety, and welfare of minors employed in the Commonwealth by limiting employment in certain establishments and occupations, restricting the hours of work, regulating work conditions, and requiring work permits for children hired to fill a position. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the federal child labor law, also applies in Pennsylvania. Where the laws overlap, the most protective standard applies.

Work Restrictions for Different Age Categories

As the school year begins for Pennsylvania students, Walker is also reminding teens, parents, and employers that the Child Labor Act applies tighter restrictions to teens’ working schedules during the school year.

1. Under-14 Work Restrictions
• Children under age 14 may not be employed in any occupation; however, they are permitted to work on a family farm or in domestic service, such as babysitting, or performing yard work or household chores. Other exceptions are made for caddies, newspaper carriers and – with special permits – juvenile entertainment performers.
2. 14-15-Year-Olds Work Restrictions
• When school is not in session, 14 and 15-year-olds may only work between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. and no more than eight hours a day, or 40 hours a week. For some occupations, such as newspaper delivery, caddies, and some farm work, different standards may apply.
• When school is in session, 14 and 15-year-olds may only work between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. and no more than three hours a day on school days or 18 hours per school week. Different standards may apply for non-school days.
3. 16-17-Year-Olds Work Restrictions
• When school is not in session, 16 and 17-year-olds may only work between 6 a.m. and 1 a.m. and no more than 10 hours a day, or 48 hours a week. Employers may not compel minors in this age group to work beyond 45 hours a week.
• When school is in session, 16 and 17-year-olds may only work between 6 a.m. and 12 a.m. and no more than eight hours a day on school days, or 28 hours per school week. Different standards may apply for non-school days.

Prohibited Occupations for all Minors

Minors of all ages are prohibited from obtaining employment in an establishment designated as hazardous – a provision under the FLSA and its regulations. Occupations deemed as hazardous or that require the use of dangerous equipment, weapons, or devices, include the following:

• Crane operation
• Electrical work
• Excavation
• Roofing
• Woodworking
• Wrecking and demolition

A full list of prohibited occupations for all minors in Pennsylvania is available on L&I’s website.

For more information on the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, please visit the website or follow L&I on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

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
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The article discusses the increase in child labor cases in Pennsylvania, which is connected to SDG 8 as it focuses on promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment, and decent work for all. It also mentions the importance of education and the restrictions on working schedules for teens during the school year, which relates to SDG 4. Additionally, the article highlights the enforcement of labor laws by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, which aligns with SDG 16 in terms of promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development.

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.
• Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.

The article highlights the increase in child labor cases, which indicates a need to address Target 8.7 under SDG 8. It also emphasizes the importance of education and relevant skills for youth, which aligns with Target 4.4. Furthermore, the enforcement of labor laws and investigations into potential violations aim to address Target 16.2.

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

• Number of child labor investigations opened by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry
• Number of child labor law violations identified and addressed
• Number of employers held accountable for child labor law violations
• Number of complaints filed by the public regarding potential violations of the Child Labor Act
• Number of minors obtaining work permits
• Number of minors working within the allowed hours and conditions

The article mentions that the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry has opened 403 child labor investigations compared to 107 cases during the same time period last year, indicating an increase in efforts to address child labor. This can serve as an indicator to measure progress towards Target 8.7. The enforcement actions taken against employers who violate child labor laws can also be used as an indicator. Additionally, the number of complaints filed by the public and the number of minors obtaining work permits can provide insights into the level of awareness and compliance with the Child Labor Act.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

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Source: media.pa.gov

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