OPINION: Federal retreat on child labor enforcement threatens America’s children – The Labor Tribune

Report on the Decline of Workplace Safety Enforcement and Its Impact on Young Workers

Introduction

Recent developments in the United States reveal a significant decline in enforcement of workplace safety laws, particularly those protecting young workers. This trend undermines the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Decline in Enforcement of Child Labor Protections

1. According to an analysis by Good Jobs First, enforcement cases for workplace violations dropped by 97% in the last year.
2. The Child Labor Coalition reported only two press releases on child labor enforcement since January 2025, compared to an average of two per month during the previous administration.
3. This decline occurs amid a 283% increase in child labor violations between 2015 and 2023, with 28 states introducing bills to weaken child labor protections.

Systematic Reduction of Worker Protections

• The Trump administration identified 21 offices for closure within the Labor Department’s Wage and Hour Division in spring 2025.
• Staff reductions have severely limited the agency responsible for enforcing federal child labor laws, with only one inspector per 202,000 workers prior to these cuts.
• Congressional warnings highlighted that these cuts encourage employers to ignore workplace hazards, exploit child labor, and evade accountability.
• The weakening of federal enforcement removes the minimum standard states must uphold, risking unchecked violations.

Consequences of Weak Enforcement in States

Iowa

• In 2023, Iowa legislature weakened child labor protections.
• In 2024, only 77 child labor investigations were conducted, including a fatal incident involving a 17-year-old worker.
• Only four civil monetary penalties totaling $36,350 were issued, insufficient to deter violations.

California

• California’s agricultural sector suffers from understaffed enforcement agencies.
• Investigations revealed young farmworkers exposed to toxic pesticides, inadequate rest, and sub-minimum wages.
• Over eight years, only 27 citations were issued for child labor violations, with over 90% of fines uncollected.

Impact on Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): The erosion of labor protections undermines safe and fair employment opportunities for youth.
• SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Exposure to hazardous working conditions threatens the health and safety of young workers.
• SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Weak enforcement disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including child farmworkers and low-income families.

Policy Recommendations and Legislative Actions

1. Passage of the bipartisan Justice for Exploited Children Act to establish minimum monetary penalties and increase overall penalties for violations.
2. Enactment of the Children Don’t Belong on Tobacco Farms Act and the Children’s Act for Responsible Employment and Farm Safety to extend protections to farmworker children.
3. State governments should strengthen, not weaken, child labor protections, following examples set by Illinois, Colorado, Minnesota, Oregon, Virginia, and Utah.

Conclusion

The current trajectory of reduced enforcement and legislative rollbacks threatens the well-being and rights of young workers across the United States. Strengthening labor protections aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals and is essential to ensuring safe, fair, and equitable work environments for all children and youth.

Report prepared by Todd Larsen, Executive Co-Director of Green America, and Reid Maki, Coordinator of the Child Labor Coalition.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article focuses on workplace safety, child labor protections, and enforcement of labor laws, which are central to promoting decent work conditions.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Workplace hazards and exposure to toxic substances affecting young workers’ health are discussed, linking to health and well-being.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article highlights weak enforcement of labor laws and the need for stronger legal frameworks and accountability mechanisms.
4. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Child labor and wage theft contribute to poverty; protecting children from exploitation supports poverty reduction.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. 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.
   • Target 8.8: Protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including young workers.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.9: Reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law and ensure equal access to justice for all.
4. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Target 1.2: Reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Number of enforcement cases and investigations
   • The article cites a 97% decline in enforcement cases and the number of child labor investigations (e.g., 77 investigations in Iowa in 2024), which can be used as indicators of enforcement activity.
2. Number of penalties and fines issued and collected
   • Data on civil monetary penalties (e.g., four penalties totaling $36,350 in Iowa, 27 citations in California with 90% of fines uncollected) serve as indicators of enforcement effectiveness.
3. Incidence of child labor violations
   • The 283% increase in child labor violations between 2015 and 2023 is an indicator of the prevalence of child labor issues.
4. Workplace safety conditions and exposure to hazards
   • Reports of young workers exposed to toxic pesticides, inadequate breaks, and unsafe working conditions imply indicators related to occupational health and safety.
5. Staffing levels of enforcement agencies
   • The ratio of inspectors to workers (one inspector per 202,000 workers) and office closures indicate capacity to enforce labor laws.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: labortribune.com