Popular New York water park under fire for labor law violations
Popular New York water park under fire for labor law violations WRGB
sdgtalks
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Child Labor Violations at Zoom Flume Water Park
Introduction
The U.S. Department of Labor recently fined Zoom Flume Water Park in East Durham, New York, for violating child labor laws for two consecutive summer seasons. This report highlights the violations and emphasizes the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in ensuring the well-being and education of young workers.
Violation Details
On February 13, the Department of Labor’s Albany office concluded an investigation and fined Zoom Flume Water Park $38,010. The investigation revealed that the park employed 35 lifeguards aged 15, who were stationed at the top of elevated, power-driven water slides between July 2021 and July 2022. This employment violated federal labor laws and regulations, including the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The SDGs are a set of global goals established by the United Nations to address various social, economic, and environmental challenges. In this case, the violation of child labor laws at Zoom Flume Water Park directly relates to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. This goal aims to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
Statement from the Department of Labor
Wage and Hour Division Acting District Director Patrick DeForest in Albany, New York, stated, “Child labor laws protect minors and help ensure young workers enjoy positive workplace experiences without jeopardizing their well-being or education. Identifying, correcting, and preventing child labor violations are priorities of the U.S. Department of Labor.”
Penalties and Statistics
In 2023, the Wage and Hour Division conducted over 950 investigations, resulting in more than $8 million in penalties assessed to employers for child labor violations. In the case of Zoom Flume Water Park, fines of $1,086 per child worker were assessed, totaling $38,010.
Appeal
Zoom Flume Water Park has already appealed the decision made by the Department of Labor.
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
The article discusses violations of child labor laws and emphasizes the importance of protecting young workers and their education, which aligns with SDG 8 and SDG 4.
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.
The article highlights the violation of child labor laws, which relates to SDG 8.7’s target of eradicating the worst forms of child labor. Additionally, the emphasis on protecting young workers’ education aligns with SDG 4.4’s target of providing relevant skills for employment.
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 violations found in investigations
- Total penalties assessed to employers for child labor violations
The article mentions that in 2023, more than 950 investigations found child labor violations, resulting in over $8 million in penalties assessed to employers. These indicators can be used to measure progress towards SDG 8.7’s target of eradicating the worst forms of child labor.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | 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. | – Number of child labor violations found in investigations – Total penalties assessed to employers for child labor violations |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 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. | N/A |
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: cbs6albany.com
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
