On Labor Day, think of the children working graveyard shifts right under our noses
On Labor Day, think of the children working graveyard shifts right under our noses USA TODAY
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Labor Department introduces new measures to prevent child labor
On Labor Day, it is crucial to focus on the issue of child labor in the United States. Despite the progress made in the past, child labor violations have been on the rise, with an alarming increase of 472% between 2015 and 2023. This includes instances of teenagers working late night shifts, exceeding the maximum number of working hours, and being exposed to hazardous environments. These violations are a clear violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938, which was enacted to protect the rights and well-being of children in the workforce.
Child labor violations are on the rise
In the early 20th century, children made up a significant portion of the labor force in factories and mines. This led to inhumane abuses and prompted the National Consumers League to advocate for legal protections. The FLSA was passed in 1938, which aimed to limit the working hours of minors, ensure their safety in the workplace, and protect their right to education.
However, recent news reports have highlighted the concerning rise of child labor violations across the country. Shockingly, there has been a concerted effort by predominantly Republican lawmakers and industry groups to weaken state labor laws and undermine the FLSA. Over the past three years, 28 states have introduced bills to weaken child labor laws, with a dozen states enacting them.
Instead of protecting kids, lawmakers work to take safety nets away
It is incomprehensible that instead of addressing this issue, efforts have been made to weaken restrictions on hazardous work for teenagers and extend their working hours. This not only fails to protect children but also enables their exploitation by industries. There have been numerous instances of children falling asleep in school due to working graveyard shifts, suffering from chemical burns, and even experiencing life-altering accidents.
We implore lawmakers to strengthen penalties for employers who exploit and endanger children. On this Labor Day, it is crucial for policymakers to renew their commitment to the health, safety, and well-being of all children and recognize their value as the future of this country.
Sally Greenberg is the CEO of the National Consumers League and chair of The Child Labor Coalition.
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?
- Number of documented child labor violations
- Number of states introducing and enacting bills to weaken child labor laws
- Number of penalties imposed on employers for child labor violations
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. | – Number of documented child labor violations – Number of penalties imposed on employers for child labor violations |
| 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. | N/A |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children. | – Number of documented child labor violations – Number of penalties imposed on employers for child labor violations |
Source: usatoday.com
