TV6 Investigates Talks: Child labor laws state versus federal

Child Labor Laws and Their Impact on State Laws

Introduction

In this report, we will discuss the Child Labor Laws and how they are currently affecting state laws. Specifically, we will focus on the situation in Iowa, where businesses have been fined for violating federal child labor laws due to discrepancies between state and federal regulations.

Iowa’s Child Labor Laws

Iowa businesses across the state have been fined hundreds of thousands of dollars this summer for violating federal child labor laws. The issue stems from Iowa’s new laws regarding the working hours for 14- and 15-year-olds, which are not in line with federal regulations. In 2023, a bill was passed in Iowa that allowed teens to work until 11 p.m. However, this contradicts federal laws and has resulted in significant penalties for businesses.

Concerns and Demands

In response to the fines and discrepancies, Iowa’s congressional delegation sent a letter to the Labor Department last week demanding more information. Lawmakers are seeking clarification on the businesses being investigated and an explanation for the large penalties. Quad-Cities congressional Rep. Marianette Miller-Meeks’s office has received reports from numerous businesses in the area facing what she described as “exorbitant fines.”

Advocacy for Loosening Child Labor Laws

Over the past two years, states across the nation have been loosening child labor laws. Advocates for these changes argue that allowing younger individuals to enter the workforce helps them develop new skills and fills job positions that other workers may not be willing to take.

Comparison of Child Labor Laws

Illinois Child Labor Laws

1. During the school year: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
2. During the summer: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Iowa Child Labor Laws

1. During the school year: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
2. During the summer: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Federal Child Labor Laws

1. During the school year: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
2. During the summer: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. 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: Number of youth and adults with relevant skills for employment.

2. 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.
   • Indicator: Proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor.

The article discusses child labor laws in Iowa and how they are affecting businesses in the state. Based on the content, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The issue of child labor laws relates to ensuring quality education for children and promoting decent work and economic growth.

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

• 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.
• 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.

The article highlights the need for relevant skills for employment and decent jobs (Target 4.4) and the importance of eradicating child labor (Target 8.7).

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

• Indicator: Number of youth and adults with relevant skills for employment.
• Indicator: Proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor.

The article does not explicitly mention these indicators, but it discusses the impact of child labor laws on businesses and the fines imposed for violations. The number of businesses fined and the penalties can be used as indicators to measure progress towards eradicating child labor (Target 8.7). Additionally, the skills and employment opportunities provided to youth can be measured to assess progress towards Target 4.4.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: kwqc.com