A report by the U.S. Department of Labor reveals that Arkansas consistently ranks among the highest in child labor violations compared to neighboring states. Arkansas Advocate reports that key findings from the report highlight a 266% increase in state-level violations and a staggering 600% rise in financial penalties from 2020 to 2023. The food service industry, responsible for 78% of state-level cases, remains the biggest violator.
The data underscores a troubling surge in violations and penalties, particularly leading up to Arkansas’s 2023 decision to remove work permit requirements for children under 16, raising serious concerns about child exploitation.
The legislation controversy
The food service sector emerged as the state’s biggest violator, contributing the majority of recent infractions. This aligns with trends across the U.S., where industries reliant on young workers often face scrutiny for unsafe practices and illegal working conditions. The data suggests that despite enforcement efforts, widespread noncompliance persists, with Arkansas leading the charge in both state-level and federal cases.
At the center of the controversy is the Youth Hiring Act, a law signed by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. The act eliminated the need for minors to obtain permits verifying their age, work hours, and parental consent, under the premise of reducing “governmental burdens.” Proponents, like Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, argued that the move empowers parents while maintaining existing child labor safeguards. Laura Kellams of Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families commented, “The rollback of protections sends a message that the safety and well-being of young workers are not a priority.”
Opponents of the bill also expressed concerns that it would put children at risk of human trafficking. A few weeks before signing the bill, Sanders had signed an executive order aiming “to develop an integrated approach” to preventing human trafficking.
Dangerous precedents
This change comes amid reports of minors working under dangerous conditions in Arkansas meatpacking facilities, where recent violations led to hefty fines. Packers Sanitation Services Inc. was penalized for employing children in hazardous roles at Arkansas-based plants. These alarming trends highlight the growing risks associated with loosening regulations.
According to the report,
Packers paid $1.5 million in civil penalties for making children as young as 13 work in dangerous conditions. In Arkansas, the company paid a fine of $60,552 for using four minors at a George’s Inc. plant in Batesville and $90,828 for using six minors at a Tyson Foods facility in Green Forest.
Similar legislative efforts in other states reflect a troubling trend. As Senate Minority Whip Linda Chesterfield observed,
“I don’t want to see us turning back the clock on child labor laws that have been in place for about a century.”
Her remarks highlight the potential erosion of hard-won labor rights that prioritize children’s education and safety over economic gains.
Take action
This trend is part of a broader national rollback of child labor protections. Advocates warn against eroding safeguards, calling for stronger enforcement and public support to uphold children’s rights. Join Freedom United in taking action to demand the U.S. protect children from exploitation.
This report serves as a wake-up call for policymakers and advocates to address the gaps in enforcement and regulation that leave young workers vulnerable in Arkansas and beyond. Take action today.
Freedom United is interested in hearing from our community and welcomes relevant, informed comments, advice, and insights that advance the conversation around our campaigns and advocacy. We value inclusivity and respect within our community. To be approved, your comments should be civil.