A recent report highlights alarming trends concerning child labor violations, injuries, and chronic absenteeism among minors in the United States. Authored by Governing For Impact, the Economic Policy Institute, and the Child Labor Coalition, the report emphasizes the concerning actions by state governments to roll back child labor protections amid rising violation rates. It warns that these protective measures are at risk of further erosion, particularly if Donald Trump returns to the presidency. Notably, injuries in the workforce for individuals under 18 nearly doubled between 2011 and 2020, with child labor violations increasing nearly fourfold from 2015 to 2022. In parallel, more than 30 states have initiated moves to weaken these protections, claiming labor shortages and receiving backing from industry groups. Such legal rollbacks not only conflict with federal statutes but have also caused confusion among employers, leading to an uptick in child labor abuses.
The conservative agenda outlined in “Project 2025” suggests further weakening of child protections under a potential Trump administration, resonating closely with earlier policy actions taken during his first term. This project argues that parental consent and training should allow young adults to undertake dangerous work, setting a precedent for relaxed standards that could increase risk to youth. Reid Maki, a leader within the Child Labor Coalition, expressed concerns about the implications of Trump’s potential re-election, recalling previous efforts to loosen labor protections, such as measures affecting working conditions in agriculture and nursing homes. Maki emphasizes the need for safer work environments for children instead of exposing them to undue risks, particularly in hazardous sectors like tobacco farming.
In response to the increasing prevalence of child labor violations, the report advocates for the U.S. Department of Labor to enhance existing protections for minors. Reed Shaw, co-author of the report, emphasizes that mere enforcement of current rules is insufficient amid the rising rates of violations and injuries among child workers. Shaw points out that many states have lowered their labor standards below federal minimums, creating confusion about legal rights and responsibilities. He argues that clearer federal regulations are needed to prevent loopholes and enhance protection for child workers, appealing to the Department of Labor’s legal authority and the urgency implied by current data.
Specific recommendations outline critical changes that the Department of Labor is encouraged to implement, which include expanding the list of hazardous occupations, increasing safety provisions in agriculture, and refining work hour regulations. The report suggests prohibiting overnight schedules for minors and demands more frequent breaks and days off to mitigate exploitation and fatigue in young workers. Additionally, the report underscores the need to close exemptions for student-learner and apprenticeship programs that may allow for unsafe working conditions. Adequate funding and staffing for the Department of Labor are also highlighted as necessary to effectively address rising child labor concerns.
Historically, protective regulations surrounding teenage workers have remained largely unchanged since 2010, despite the evolving economic climate and increasing rates of exploitation. The report underscores the urgency of re-evaluating these outdated regulations while advocating for reforms that are long overdue. As noted by Nina Mast from the Economic Policy Institute, the spike in violations coupled with states retreating from elevating standards necessitates a re-assessment and elevation of federal protections for all children engaged in work, particularly in hazardous settings.
The report implies that urgent action is critical, as child labor protections are not simply regulatory issues; they involve the health, safety, and development of young workers. As states grapple with labor dynamics and industry pressures, the necessity for robust federal guidelines becomes even clearer. It is vital that the labor sector navigates these complexities with a focus on prioritizing the welfare of children, ensuring that working environments serve not only to strengthen the economy but also to safeguard the rights and health of the next generation. The collective message from this report is clear: enhancing child labor protections must be a priority if we aim to prevent further deterioration of working conditions for minors in the U.S.
