I understand that Senator Brian Schatz has introduced a bill called the Child Labor Prevention Act; I’d like the Senator to co-sponsor it immediately. This bill would increase maximum fines for violations and establish new criminal penalties to deter child labor and hold employers accountable. It was introduced Thursday.
Currently, the Fair Labor Standards Act imposes weak fines for violations, making it financially easier for companies to skirt child labor laws.
Mr. Schatz’s bill would substantially increase penalties for violating child labor laws to a maximum fine of $132,270 for routine violations and a maximum fine of $601,150 for each violation connected with the death or serious injury of a minor. It would also increase criminal penalties for a repeat or willful violation of child labor laws to a maximum of a year in jail. And it would apply those laws to independent contractors who are currently exempt, an aspect of the law that some employers have exploited by hiring children through staffing agencies.
Since 2018, the U.S. Department of Labor has seen a 69% increase in children being employed illegally. This is due to companies increasingly circumventing child labor laws to fill positions, which is expected to worsen due to the tight labor market.
This must change, and now. Please co-sponsor Schatz’s bill right away. Thanks.
▶ First sent on March 6 by Jess Craven
