U.S. lawmakers demand data as child labor violations rise

So far in 2024, eight U.S. states have passed legislation rolling back child labor protections. This is happening despite the rise in child labor violations across the country. This increase has prompted senior members of Congress to ask the acting Secretary of Labor for information and data on child labor violations and protections in federally subsidized youth work programs. This request aims to ensure federal funds are not facilitating child labor exploitation and abuse.

Seeking answers on surge in “oppressive child labor”

Between 2019 and 2023, the U.S. Department of Labor reported an 88% increase in child labor violations with several state labor departments also reporting a violations surge. The underlying spark for the letter from lawmakers is the reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). As part of the reauthorization, several business groups want to remove language that prevents employers who violate child labor laws from receiving federal funds, setting off alarm bells for some legislators.

As reported by the Guardian, Congressional representatives Bobby Scott and Alma Adams said in the letter:

“Our central question is whether DOL currently has sufficient tools at its disposal to ensure that children can participate in such programs free from oppressive child labor and unsafe working conditions.”

Elected officials have been raising the alarm about the rise in child labor violations. But so far, their alarm has fallen on deaf ears. They continue to face resistance from fellow lawmakers for a bipartisan hearing to find solutions and strengthen protections for minors.

Skills development shouldn’t put children at risk

Elected officials in 24 states have taken positive action and introduced bills to strengthen child labor protections. But across the U.S., conservative and industry groups continue to lobby heavily for rollbacks in child labor protections. Rollbacks include extending work hours, eliminating the need for work permits, and expanding the types of work minors can do. However, cases like a minor injured after illegally being assigned to operate a pole saw and chainsaw on the job and a 16-year-old who lost both his legs while using a walk-behind trencher to dig a channel for fence posts, speak to the need for increased protections, not less.

Representatives Scott and Adams wrote in the letter:

“As we continue our inquiry into child labor, we view these cases as an opportunity to explore the interrelationship between youth workforce programs, unsafe work, and oppressive child labor and the extent to which legislation may be needed,”

The U.S. Department of Labor fined the responsible contractor and construction firms for assigning hazardous work to minors in violation of child labor laws.

Business groups argue that the existing protections “only tie up law-abiding employers in red tape, discouraging their participation. But on the contrary, the rise in abuse and violations means we need more protections for children in the workforce. Without proper regulations in place, traffickers and unscrupulous employers are free to exploit vulnerable children.

Refusing to act on the issue of child labor violations and listen to recommendations as well as ignoring requests for research and data coordination on child labor won’t stand.

Freedom United stands with those lawmakers calling for a hearing on child labor before any protections are removed. We also call on responsible citizens in the U.S. to find out what legislation is being considered in their state and vote appropriately. If you haven’t already, sign our petition demanding the U.S. to protect child workers, not facilitate their exploitation!