Wisconsin will keep work permit requirement for younger teens after governor’s veto

Democratic Gov. Tony Evers Rejects Bill Allowing 14- and 15-Year-Olds to Work Without Permit

Democratic Gov. Tony Evers has rejected a bill that would have allowed 14- and 15-year-olds to work in Wisconsin without a permit.

Current Regulations

Currently, workers younger than 16 need a permit from Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development to hold most types of jobs, with the exception of agriculture and domestic work.

The application can be filled out online with the sign-off of a parent or guardian.

Republican Backers’ Argument

Republican backers say the bill would have sped up hiring by cutting red tape and making it easier for kids to work.

They noted the bill would not have repealed any workforce safety standards for children.

Other regulations such as a limit on how many hours kids under 16 can work, a ban on minors working during school hours, and a prohibition on children doing “hazardous” work would remain in place.

“This is a simple bill that takes away a bureaucratic step in our youth working,” Sponsor Rep. Amy Binsfeld, R-Sheboygan, said earlier this year, just before Wisconsin’s Republican-controlled Assembly voted to approve the proposal.

Evers’ Concerns and Veto

Evers cited concerns about safety when he vetoed the bill Monday morning during a conference in Madison for Machinists Union District 10.

“I object to eliminating a process that ensures our kids are protected from employers that may exploit youth and inexperience or subject children to hazardous or illegal working conditions,” Evers wrote in a veto message. “This bill eliminates a process that ensures parents and guardians have knowledge of employment so they can, in their judgment, determine whether a job may be detrimental to their young worker’s health, safety, social development, or academic success.”

Republicans are short of the legislative super-majority that would be needed to override a veto.

Importance of Child Labor Regulations

Wisconsin’s DWD can deny or revoke a permit if a job doesn’t comply with child labor requirements. The DWD uses the permit system as a way to track child labor in Wisconsin, and it’s the department’s “primary tool” for disseminating information about child labor laws to businesses that employ minors, according to a fiscal analysis attached to the bill.

Opposing Views

Speaking before the bill cleared the Assembly in February, Rep. Deb Andraca, D-Whitefish Bay, said Republicans should instead support proposals backed by the governor, including paid family leave and state subsidies to child care centers.

“The answer to Wisconsin’s worker shortage is not shorter workers,” Andraca said.

The proposal had the backing of the National Federation of Independent Business and Wisconsin Independent Businesses, Inc. The Wisconsin State AFL-CIO opposed it.

Past Legislation

In 2017, then-Republican Gov. Scott Walker signed a bill into law that repealed work permit requirements for 16- and 17-year-olds.

A child work permit is $10, and the cost must be covered by an employer. Over the past five years, permit fees have brought in approximately $288,000 in annual revenue, according to a nonpartisan fiscal analysis. Part of that revenue has paid for one full-time equal rights officer, tasked with investigating labor law violations.

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 discusses the issue of work permits for 14- and 15-year-olds in Wisconsin. This connects to SDG 8, which focuses on promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. It also connects 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?

• 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 the debate around work permits for young workers, which relates to SDG target 8.7 on eradicating the worst forms of child labor. It also touches upon the importance of education and skills development for employment, connecting to SDG target 4.4.

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

• Number of work permits issued to 14- and 15-year-olds
• Number of hours worked by minors under 16
• Number of reported labor law violations involving child workers

The article mentions the current requirement for work permits for young workers and the regulations surrounding their employment. The number of work permits issued can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards SDG target 8.7. Additionally, monitoring the number of hours worked by minors under 16 and the number of reported labor law violations involving child workers can provide insights into the protection and well-being of young workers.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

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: wpr.org

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