Reynolds, Congress members protest federal child labor law enforcement • Iowa Capital Dispatch

Iowa Governor and Congressional Delegation Criticize U.S. Department of Labor’s Enforcement of Child Labor Laws

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and the state’s all-Republican congressional delegation have expressed their concerns regarding the U.S. Department of Labor’s enforcement of federal child labor laws on Iowa businesses. This comes after a recent change in state law that loosened some restrictions on minor workers, despite warnings from the Department of Labor that these changes would conflict with federal law.

Changes to Iowa Child Labor Law

The 2023 Iowa child labor law includes several changes that impact the working conditions of minor workers. These changes allow 14- and 15-year-olds to work later shifts and more hours per week. Additionally, 16- and 17-year-olds can seek exemptions through work-study programs or employer training to work in restricted fields. The law also permits workers over the age of 16 to sell and serve alcohol in restaurants while kitchens are open.

Governor’s Letter to U.S. Secretary of Labor

In a letter addressed to the acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su, Governor Reynolds expressed her concerns about the excessive fines imposed on Iowa businesses by the federal government. She highlighted the case of Sugapeach Chicken and Fish Fry in North Liberty, which has been subject to fines. The governor emphasized that the closure of small businesses like Sugapeach would have far-reaching impacts on their communities.

Congressional Delegation’s Letter to U.S. Secretary of Labor

The full congressional delegation of Iowa also signed a letter addressed to Secretary Su, expressing their concerns about the Department of Labor’s enforcement of federal teen labor laws. The letter stated that lawmakers have received reports from Iowa business owners about investigations that included auditors demanding access to teenage employees without parental consent or knowledge. The delegation emphasized the importance of transparency and an opportunity for small businesses to rectify situations before facing excessive fines.

Department’s Response

The Department of Labor did not directly respond to the letters but stated that it is concerned about child labor exploitation and is working to ensure that children have safe and responsible work experiences. The department criticized Iowa’s decision to undermine federal child labor protections despite clear guidance from the Labor Department.

Conflicts Between State and Federal Labor Laws

Both the governor’s letter and the congressional delegation’s letter highlighted that 25 states have conflicts between state and federal labor laws for minor workers. They called for clarification on the department’s standards for interacting with teenage employees during investigations and requested information on the number of investigations taking place in other states with similar conflicts.

Governor’s Open Letter to Iowa

In an open letter to the state of Iowa, Governor Reynolds questioned the Department of Labor’s “sudden and heavy-handed enforcement” that appears to be targeted at Iowa. She emphasized the benefits of youth employment in teaching responsibility and strengthening work ethic, and expressed her belief that young workers contribute to the success of small businesses.

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

The article discusses the enforcement of federal child labor laws on Iowa businesses following a state law change that loosened some restrictions on minor workers. This issue relates to SDG 8, which aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.

SDG 4: Quality Education

The article mentions changes in the Iowa child labor law that allow 16- and 17-year-olds to seek exemptions through work-study programs or employer training to work in restricted fields. This issue relates to SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

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 highlights the conflict between state and federal child labor laws in Iowa, which could potentially lead to the violation of child labor regulations. Target 8.7 aims to end child labor in all its forms, including the worst forms of child labor.

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 the Iowa child labor law allows 16- and 17-year-olds to seek exemptions through work-study programs or employer training to work in restricted fields. This target relates to providing relevant skills and opportunities for youth to access decent jobs and entrepreneurship.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

No specific indicators are mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. However, monitoring the enforcement of federal child labor laws and assessing the number of violations or conflicts between state and federal laws can provide insights into progress towards ending child labor (Target 8.7) and ensuring relevant skills for employment (Target 4.4).

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: iowacapitaldispatch.com