Recent reporting has illuminated a growing trend to attack the national labor shortage and it should trigger a debate over the loosening of child labor laws in several states.
From a recent Des Moines Register article, we learn that a bill (Senate File 542) has been proposed in Iowa that would relax child labor laws, allowing teenagers to work jobs they are currently restricted from doing. The bill would also extend the hours that children can work and permit 16- and 17-year-olds to serve alcohol in bars and restaurants with parental consent. The bill has support from about 50% of Iowans, according to a poll. However, it also faces opposition from labor groups and the U.S. Labor Department, who argue that it could lead to exploitation and safety risks for young workers.
A Century Foundation article provides a broader perspective, noting that similar bills are being proposed in other states as well. It argues that these bills could lead to long-term damage by potentially causing more high school dropouts, lower grades, and increased risk of injury for young workers. The article also mentions that there has been a 69% increase since 2018 in the number of children employed illegally by U.S. companies.
From a research perspective, the potential outcomes of decreased need for documentation involving child labor can be evaluated from several angles:
Workforce Development: Proponents argue that allowing teenagers to work in more jobs and for longer hours could provide them with valuable work experience and help address labor shortages. However, it’s important to consider the type of work and the conditions in which these teenagers would be working.
Child Safety and Exploitation: Critics worry about the potential for exploitation and safety risks, particularly in industries like meatpacking and construction. The risk of injury or even death in these industries is a serious concern.
Impact on Education: There’s also concern about the potential impact on education. If teenagers are working longer hours, it could affect their school performance and increase the likelihood of dropping out.
Legal and Ethical Issues: The proposed changes could potentially conflict with federal regulations and raise ethical issues about child labor.
While there may be some potential benefits to loosening child labor laws, such as addressing labor shortages and providing work experience, the potential risks and negative outcomes, including safety concerns, exploitation, and negative impacts on education, are significant. As such, careful consideration and safeguards should and would be necessary to ensure the protection of young workers.