Two House Democrats repeat request for a hearing on child labor violations
Two House Democrats repeat request for a hearing on child labor ... Safety+Health Magazine
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Reps. Bobby Scott and Alma Adams Request Hearing on Child Labor Violations
Washington — Representatives Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Alma Adams (D-NC) are once again urging Representative Virginia Foxx (R-NC), chair of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, to convene a hearing on child labor violations.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 4: Quality Education
- Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
Scott, the committee’s ranking member, and Adams, ranking member of the House Workforce Protections Subcommittee, have emphasized the importance of addressing child labor violations in a letter dated June 6. They highlighted data from the Department of Labor Wage and House Division, which shows that child labor violations have nearly quadrupled since 2015.
In a follow-up letter dated September 13, Scott and Adams state that the evidence for oversight by the committee has continued to mount. They mention the tragic death of a 16-year-old boy in Missouri, followed by two more work-related deaths of 16-year-old boys within a five-week period. They also reference a Scripps News investigation that discovered children as young as 6 working in the North Carolina blueberry fields. Additionally, they note that at least two states have reported an increase in both state child labor violations and work-related injuries to children.
Legislation and Actions
- Protecting Children Act (H.R. 4440): Introduced by Scott on June 30 and referred to the committee.
- Justice for Exploited Children Act of 2023 (H.R. 2388): Currently before the committee.
- Combating Child Labor Act (H.R. 2956): Also before the committee.
As of now, Foxx has not issued an official response to the second request for a hearing on child labor violations.
In response to the June 6 letter, Foxx dismissed the request as “all for show.” She argued that her Republican colleagues had already addressed the rise in illegal migrant child labor during a hearing with acting Labor Secretary Julie Su. Foxx also mentioned that committee Republicans had requested a briefing from the Department of Labor (DOL) on this issue and they are currently working with the DOL to schedule it. Foxx criticized the Democrats for not asking pointed questions about the DOL’s failure to address the problem during their four-hour meeting with acting Secretary Su.
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
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The article discusses child labor violations, which are connected to SDG 8 as it aims to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. It also mentions the need for oversight by the committee, which relates to SDG 16 as it focuses on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, providing access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. Additionally, the article mentions the impact of child labor on education, which is relevant to SDG 4 as it 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?
- 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.
- SDG 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
The article highlights the need to address child labor violations, which aligns with SDG 8.7’s target of eradicating the worst forms of child labor. It also emphasizes the importance of providing relevant skills for employment, which relates to SDG 4.4. Additionally, the article mentions the need to end exploitation and violence against children, which is connected to SDG 16.2.
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 reported
- Number of work-related injuries to children
The article mentions that child labor violations have nearly quadrupled since 2015, indicating that the number of reported violations can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards SDG 8.7. It also states that at least two states have reported an increase in both state child labor violations and work-related injuries to children, suggesting that the number of work-related injuries can be used as an indicator to track progress towards SDG 8.7 and SDG 16.2.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| 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 child labor violations reported – Number of work-related injuries to children |
| 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. | N/A |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children. | – Number of child labor violations reported – Number of work-related injuries to children |
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Source: safetyandhealthmagazine.com
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