Youth Work Permits Targeted in Broader Child Labor Law Rollbacks

Fast Food Workers Protest Against Child Labor and Other Issues

On Thursday, May 18, 2023, fast food workers gathered to protest at the closed Popeyes Louisiana Chicken restaurant located on International Boulevard near 70th Avenue in Oakland, Calif. The restaurant had been immediately shut down by Popeyes in response to worker complaints regarding child labor and other related issues.

Photographer: Jane Tyska/Digital First Media/East Bay Times via Getty Images

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of global goals established by the United Nations to address various social, economic, and environmental challenges. These goals aim to create a more sustainable and equitable world by 2030.

Relevance of SDGs to Fast Food Workers Protest

The fast food workers’ protest against child labor and other issues aligns with several SDGs, including:

1. Goal 1: No Poverty – Ensuring fair wages and decent working conditions for all workers, including those in the fast food industry, can help alleviate poverty and promote economic growth.
2. Goal 4: Quality Education – Eliminating child labor and providing access to quality education for all children is crucial for their development and future opportunities.
3. Goal 5: Gender Equality – Addressing issues such as workplace discrimination and harassment can contribute to achieving gender equality in the fast food industry.
4. Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Promoting fair labor practices, including the eradication of child labor, can contribute to sustainable economic growth and decent work for all.
5. Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities – Ensuring equal treatment and opportunities for all workers, regardless of their background or socio-economic status, is essential for reducing inequalities.

Conclusion

The fast food workers’ protest highlights the importance of addressing issues such as child labor and promoting fair working conditions in the fast food industry. By aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), efforts can be made to create a more sustainable and equitable world for all.

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
• SDG 5: Gender Equality

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 4.7: Ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles.
• SDG 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.

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

Yes, the article mentions child labor and worker complaints related to issues such as forced labor. These indicators can be used to measure progress towards eradicating forced labor and child labor (SDG 8.7). The article also implies the presence of gender-based violence and exploitation, which can be used as indicators to measure progress towards eliminating violence against women and girls (SDG 5.2).

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: news.bloomberglaw.com