Teens working at Louisiana McDonald’s worked long hours, used equipment against child labor laws, report says
Louisiana McDonald's franchises accused of violating child labor laws WDSU New Orleans
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The Department of Labor Finds Child Labor Violations in Louisiana McDonald’s Franchises
The Department of Labor announced on Tuesday that several McDonald’s franchises in Louisiana have violated child labor laws. Federal investigations conducted at 16 McDonald’s franchise locations in Louisiana and Texas revealed child labor violations affecting 83 minors.
Violations and Findings
- A Metairie business that operated 12 McDonald’s restaurants has been accused of allowing 14-year-olds and 15-year-olds to work longer hours than permitted by law.
- The affected restaurant locations were in Kenner, Jefferson, Metairie, and New Orleans.
- The department also discovered that three children were allowed to operate manual deep fryers, which is prohibited for individuals under the age of 16.
The Metairie business responsible for these violations has been fined $56,106. Additionally, one of the locations owned by this business has been closed.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 4: Quality Education – Child labor violations hinder children’s access to education and impede their overall development.
- Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Ensuring decent working conditions for all, including minors, is crucial for sustainable economic growth.
- Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Upholding labor laws and protecting the rights of workers, especially children, contributes to building strong institutions and promoting social justice.
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 highlights violations of child labor laws, which directly relates to SDG 8, which aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. Additionally, the article mentions that 14-year-olds and 15-year-olds were working longer than the law permits, indicating a violation of their right to education, which is addressed by SDG 4.
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.
- Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.
The violations of child labor laws mentioned in the article align with Target 8.7 of SDG 8, which aims to eradicate child labor. The mention of minors working longer than permitted also highlights a violation of their right to education, aligning with Target 4.1 of SDG 4.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for Target 8.7: Number of children engaged in child labor.
- Indicator for Target 4.1: Percentage of children of official primary school age (according to national definitions) completing the last grade of primary education.
The article mentions that 83 minors were affected by child labor violations, indicating the presence of child labor and serving as a potential indicator for measuring progress towards Target 8.7. Additionally, the violation of minors’ right to education can be measured by the percentage of children completing the last grade of primary education, as it implies that they are not able to complete their education due to engaging in work.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| 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 children engaged in child labor. |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes. | Percentage of children of official primary school age (according to national definitions) completing the last grade of primary education. |
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: wdsu.com
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