Revisions to Indiana child labor laws present pros, cons – The Chicago Cusader
Revisions to Indiana child labor laws present pros, cons The Chicago Cusader
sdgtalks
Changes to Indiana’s Child Labor Laws
Introduction
Changes to Indiana’s child labor laws went into effect on January 1, which could have an impact on teenagers who currently have or are seeking employment.
Removal of Scheduling and Hour Limits
Under the new laws, employers are no longer obligated to schedule work hours around a teenager’s school schedule or adhere to daily and weekly hour limits. For instance, 16- and 17-year-olds no longer require parental permission to work longer or later, and the presence of an adult is no longer necessary at public establishments when juveniles work past 10pm.
Employer Perspective
Germaine Willett, an employment law attorney at the firm Ice Miller in Indianapolis, views these changes as reducing administrative burden for employers who hire teenagers. Willett explains that these changes allow employers to be less constrained by strict hour limits, such as having to ensure that workers aged 16 and 17 leave exactly at the previous hour’s limit.
Self-Advocacy and Benefits
Willett highlights that now, it is the responsibility of the student to advocate for themselves in the event of a time conflict between their employer’s work schedule request and their school hours. Supporters of the changes argue that longer work hours mean more income for teenagers and better preparation for the real world.
Critics’ Perspective
Critics, on the other hand, argue that stricter work restrictions allow teenagers to focus more on their education and activities with their peers.
Alignment with Federal Requirements
The modifications were made to bring Indiana law more in line with federal requirements. Willett emphasizes that some of the most significant revisions extend exemptions to certain 14- and 15-year-olds.
Exemptions for Specific Circumstances
Willett explains that individuals who have been excused from attending school under certain circumstances, such as quitting school after finishing 8th grade or quitting school to support their child, will not be subjected to the same limitations. Instead, they will be treated as if they are 16 or older.
Reasoning Behind the Exemptions
Willett argues that it does not make sense for teenagers with such obligations to have the same work limits as others under the old law. The Indiana Department of Labor states that 14- and 15-year-olds may work until 9pm on any day of the week between June 1 and Labor Day, with some exceptions.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
-
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: The article mentions that critics argue tighter work restrictions allow teens to focus more on their education and activities with their peers, implying that the availability of education is affected by the changes in child labor laws.
-
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, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labor in all its forms.
- Indicator: The article mentions that the changes to child labor laws in Indiana align the state law with federal requirements, suggesting that the aim is to ensure compliance with regulations related to child labor.
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | The article mentions that critics argue tighter work restrictions allow teens to focus more on their education and activities with their peers, implying that the availability of education is affected by the changes in child labor laws. |
| 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, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labor in all its forms. | The article mentions that the changes to child labor laws in Indiana align the state law with federal requirements, suggesting that the aim is to ensure compliance with regulations related to child labor. |
Source: chicagocrusader.com
