In recognition and celebration of World Day Against Child Labor on June 12, 2024, the Child Labor Coalition and the Campaign to End U.S. Child Labor cohosted a congressional briefing to discuss the ongoing child labor crisis in America and proposed legislative solutions.
Eliminating the exploitation of children in labor has been a goal since the introduction of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, however representatives and advocates in this webinar do not believe it is enough. As some states begin to roll back certain child labor legislation like eliminating work permits and lifting restrictions on hazardous work environments, it is felt that more legislation is needed to protect children from labor exploitation.
Terri Gerstein, Director of the NYU Wagner Labor Initiative, stressed that the current legislative shortcomings are that likelihood of detection is far too low due to a major lack of resources and that seriousness of consequences needs to increase substantially to work preventatively. Many acts of legislation shared in this webinar are aimed at tackling these two shortcomings.
Representative Dan Kildee (D-MI) discussed the Combating Child Labor Act, which aims to hold those guilty of child labor more accountable as the current penalties, in Rep. Kildee’s words are not enough to deter child labor exploitation. Representative Hillary Scholten (D-MI) discussed the bi-partisan Justice for Exploited Children Act, which similarly stresses the importance of raising the penalties for child labor. A speaker from the office of Representative Morgan McGarvey (D-KY) shared information about the Workers Protecting Our Wage Earners Rights Act which will aim to increase the workforce working against all labor issues including child labor.
Additionally, Bob Shull, Senior Counsel, Labor Policy, House Education and Workforce Committee shared information about the Protecting Children Act, sponsored by Representative Bobby Scott (D-VA) which aims to improve the research and knowledge base surrounding child labor and unsafe work environments which in many cases are coupled issues.
By Keya Ahrestani, Policy Intern
