On April 18, lawmakers in Iowa’s Senate passed a controversial bill that would allow minors to work longer hours and perform roles that are currently banned such as serving alcohol at restaurants, PBS reports.
The, primarily Republican, supporters of the bill claimed it would give children valuable opportunities to work and get paid. Opponents, by contrast - largely Democrats - said it would harm children, according to Des Moines Register reporting.
Two Republicans reportedly defied their party and voted against the bill with Democrats but the measure still passed 32-17 in the GOP-controlled Senate. The bill now requires approval from the Republican-controlled House and from Republican Governor Kim Reynolds to become law.
If approved, the bill would allow children under the age of 16 to work up to six hours a day; two hours more than currently allowed for that age group. In addition, it would allow 16- and 17-year-olds to serve alcohol at restaurants, with written permission from their parent or guardian.
“Ultimately, parents and kids will decide if they want to work or not,” Governor Reynolds stated about the bill. “It teaches the kids a lot. And if they have the time to do it and they want to earn some additional money, I don’t think we should discourage that.”
Seema Nanda - the U.S. Department of Labor’s top lawyer - disagreed, saying it is “irresponsible for states to consider loosening child labor protections.”
Democrats and labour unions reportedly echoed that sentiment, saying the bill would increase the chance of workplace accidents and injuries among youth.
Earlier this month the Biden administration urged US companies to ensure they aren’t illegally hiring children to perform dangerous jobs. The caution followed an investigation which uncovered more than 100 children working overnight and handling hazardous equipment such as skull splitters and bone saws for a company that cleans slaughterhouses across the country.
The Labor Department says it currently has more than 600 child labour investigations underway. Officials are concerned about the exploitation of children, particularly migrants who may not even have a parent in the country.
Source: PBS
(Links and quotes via original reporting)
On April 18, lawmakers in Iowa’s Senate passed a controversial bill that would allow minors to work longer hours and perform roles that are currently banned such as serving alcohol at restaurants, PBS reports.
The, primarily Republican, supporters of the bill claimed it would give children valuable opportunities to work and get paid. Opponents, by contrast - largely Democrats - said it would harm children, according to Des Moines Register reporting.
Two Republicans reportedly defied their party and voted against the bill with Democrats but the measure still passed 32-17 in the GOP-controlled Senate. The bill now requires approval from the Republican-controlled House and from Republican Governor Kim Reynolds to become law.
If approved, the bill would allow children under the age of 16 to work up to six hours a day; two hours more than currently allowed for that age group. In addition, it would allow 16- and 17-year-olds to serve alcohol at restaurants, with written permission from their parent or guardian.
“Ultimately, parents and kids will decide if they want to work or not,” Governor Reynolds stated about the bill. “It teaches the kids a lot. And if they have the time to do it and they want to earn some additional money, I don’t think we should discourage that.”
Seema Nanda - the U.S. Department of Labor’s top lawyer - disagreed, saying it is “irresponsible for states to consider loosening child labor protections.”
Democrats and labour unions reportedly echoed that sentiment, saying the bill would increase the chance of workplace accidents and injuries among youth.
Earlier this month the Biden administration urged US companies to ensure they aren’t illegally hiring children to perform dangerous jobs. The caution followed an investigation which uncovered more than 100 children working overnight and handling hazardous equipment such as skull splitters and bone saws for a company that cleans slaughterhouses across the country.
The Labor Department says it currently has more than 600 child labour investigations underway. Officials are concerned about the exploitation of children, particularly migrants who may not even have a parent in the country.
Source: PBS
(Links and quotes via original reporting)