New law weakening child labor protections in Arkansas takes effect
New law weakening child labor protections in Arkansas takes effect kuaf.com
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Child Labor Law in Arkansas Repealed, Impacting Sustainable Development Goals
Work permits are no longer required for children younger than 16 years old in Arkansas under Act 195, a new child labor law that took effect on August 1. This change has significant implications for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Youth Hiring Act of 2023
The Youth Hiring Act of 2023, signed into law by Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders last March, repeals a century-old law requiring employers of children under 16 to verify a child’s age as well as parental consent. This change aligns with SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, which aims to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment, and decent work for all.
Republican Rep. Rebecca Burkes of Lowell, the bill’s co-sponsor, pitched the measure to members of the Arkansas House Chamber last February, prior to a final vote. Burkes emphasized the importance of eliminating the work permit requirement, stating, “There’s no reason why anyone should have to get the government’s permission to get a job.” This change reflects SDG 1: No Poverty and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, as it removes barriers to employment for young individuals.
Historical Context and Concerns
Child labor laws date back to the industrial revolution when children worked long hours for scant wages, often in dangerous work conditions. Arkansas’s originating child labor law, passed in 1914, required parents and employers to sign and submit work permits for approval by the state division of labor. However, this process was deemed onerous by Rep. Burkes.
While supporters of Act 195 argue that employers are still responsible for complying with other child labor laws, critics like Laura Kellams, Northwest Arkansas director of Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, express concerns. Kellams highlights the importance of work permits in ensuring age verification, parental consent, and adherence to special labor laws for young individuals. She states, “We need to be very careful about the types of work that they’re allowed to do because their bodies are smaller. They need more protection.” This perspective aligns with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 4: Quality Education, which prioritize the safety and well-being of children.
Implications and National Trends
Arkansas’s decision to repeal child labor laws has drawn attention to the broader national trend of weakening child labor protections. The Foundation for Government Accountability, a conservative think tank headquartered in Florida, has influenced lawmakers in multiple states to consider similar measures. This trend raises concerns about the potential exploitation of young individuals in response to labor shortages. The Economic Policy Institute reports that child labor law violations are increasing at a time when protective laws are being eliminated. This situation contradicts SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, which seeks to protect workers’ rights and promote safe working environments.
Conclusion
While Act 195 aims to remove barriers to employment for young individuals, it also raises concerns about their well-being and protection. The repeal of work permits erases a paper trail showing parental or guardian consent and age verification. As violations of child labor laws rise, it becomes crucial to strike a balance between promoting employment opportunities and ensuring the safety and well-being of children. Arkansas’s decision to increase penalties for child labor violations through Act 687 is a step in the right direction, but preventive measures should also be prioritized. By aligning with the SDGs, policymakers can work towards creating a society that provides equal opportunities for all while safeguarding the rights of children.
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
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 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.
- SDG 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.
- SDG 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 8.7: Number of children engaged in child labor.
- Indicator for SDG 4.4: Percentage of youth with relevant skills for employment.
- Indicator for SDG 16.2: Number of reported cases of child labor violations.
4. Table: 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: Number of children engaged in child labor. |
| 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: Percentage of youth with relevant skills for employment. |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children. | Indicator: Number of reported cases of child labor violations. |
The article addresses the issues related to child labor laws in Arkansas. These issues are connected to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
Based on the content of the article, specific targets under these SDGs can be identified:
- Under SDG 8, the target is to 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 8.7).
- Under SDG 4, the target is to increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship (Target 4.4).
- Under SDG 16, the target is to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children (Target 16.2).
The article mentions or implies indicators that can be used to measure progress towards these targets:
- For SDG 8.7, the indicator is the number of children engaged in child labor.
- For SDG 4.4, the indicator is the percentage of youth with relevant skills for employment.
- For SDG 16.2, the indicator is the number of reported cases of child labor violations.
By monitoring these indicators, progress can be measured in eradicating child labor, ensuring relevant skills for employment, and ending abuse and exploitation of children.
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: kuaf.com
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