U.S. Dept. of Labor says aspects of Iowa’s new child labor law violates federal law
U.S. Dept. of Labor says aspects of Iowa’s new child labor law violates federal law WHO TV 13 Des Moines News & Weather
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Annual Labor Day Parade in Des Moines Calls for Changes to Iowa’s Child Labor Laws
The annual Labor Day Parade took place on Grand Avenue in Des Moines on Monday, with union members and lawmakers using the occasion to advocate for changes to Iowa’s child labor laws. This comes after a bill passed by Iowa Republicans last session lifted many restrictions.
New Changes Violate Federal Law
Last week, the U.S. Department of Labor sent a letter to Iowa Democrats regarding the new changes, stating that they violate federal law. In March, Democrats had requested the federal government to review these changes to determine if any federal policies were being broken.
Protecting Children from Dangerous Workplaces
Iowa State Senator Nate Boulton, a Democrat from Des Moines, emphasized the importance of federal law in protecting children from dangerous workplaces. He clarified that the goal is not to prevent children from gaining work experience or learning opportunities, but rather to ensure that these experiences are conducted in a safe manner.
Issues with Iowa’s New Changes
The Department of Labor identified two specific issues with Iowa’s new changes. Firstly, it allows 16 and 17-year-olds to operate heavy machinery. Secondly, it exempts 16 and 17-year-olds from registering with state or federal agencies when participating in apprenticeships.
Ensuring Fair Policies for Workers and Their Families
Charlie Wishman, the president of the Iowa Federation of Labor, highlighted the importance of fair policies that support workers and their families. He emphasized the need for elected officials to prioritize the success of workers and their families.
Request for Federal Fact Sheet
Senator Boulton requested the federal government to create a fact sheet outlining which aspects of the new state law violate federal regulations.
Clarification from the Department of Labor
The Department of Labor sent a request to the Iowa Commissioner of Labor, urging them to include specific language on their website to inform employers that even if they comply with Iowa’s less restrictive law, they are still subject to federal policies.
Collaborative Solutions for Child Safety
Senator Boulton expressed hope for collaborative efforts to address these issues and prioritize the safety of children in these occupations. He suggested exploring potential allowances that can be made while still ensuring safety.
Republican Opposition to Restrictions
Iowa Republicans maintain their position that the bill aims to provide young adults with opportunities to gain workforce experience. Given that the Iowa House, Senate, and Governor’s Office are all republican-controlled, it is unlikely that restrictions will be implemented.
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
- SDG 4: Quality Education
The issues highlighted in the article are related to child labor laws and the impact on children’s safety and education. SDG 8 focuses on promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment, and decent work for all, which includes protecting workers’ rights and ensuring safe working conditions. SDG 4 aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all, which is affected when children are engaged in hazardous work instead of attending school.
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.
The article highlights concerns about child labor laws that may violate federal regulations and endanger the safety of young workers. Target 8.7 specifically addresses the need to eradicate the worst forms of child labor, while Target 4.4 emphasizes the importance of providing relevant skills and education to youth for decent employment opportunities.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 8.7: Proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor, by sex and age group.
- Indicator for SDG 4.4: Proportion of youth and adults with information and communications technology (ICT) skills, by type of skill.
The article mentions concerns about allowing 16 and 17-year-olds to operate heavy machinery and work in apprenticeships without registering with state or federal agencies. These issues can be indicators of child labor practices that violate regulations. Additionally, the article discusses the importance of providing relevant skills to youth, which can be measured by the proportion of youth and adults with specific skills, such as ICT skills.
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. | Indicator: Proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor, by sex and age group. |
| 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: Proportion of youth and adults with information and communications technology (ICT) skills, by type of skill. |
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Source: who13.com
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