Child labor in America on the rise as states weaken labor protections

Reid Maki, Coordinator of the Child Labor Coalition (CLC), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the issue of child labor in America. Maki explained the increasing number of states who weakened child labor laws, an incident at the cleaning company PSSI and Congressional reaction following the incident.

Child labor has increased in recent years, as recent laws were passed to weaken many child labor protections. Thankfully, the Biden administration has cracked down on child labor violations, trying to limit the use of child labor. Unfortunately, despite the efforts, there have been three deaths in 2023 due to the new state laws that allow minors to work in hazardous industries. As the injury rate for minors climbs, Maki and the CLC continue to provide research to legislators to support improved workplace protections for minors.

Most of the states who removed work permit requirements and weakened child labor laws are led by conservatives. Maki said one of the largest groups lobbying for the weakening of these protections for minors is a conservative think tank based out of Florida. As such, he believes there is a correlation between the think tank and the actions of conservative leaders. The removal of the work permit requirement creates a gap in an important safety check process that helps prevent underage workers from entering workplaces and should not be allowed. Maki believed this is what led to major child labor violations by PSSI.

He said 14 states have either introduced or passed legislation to weaken child labor protections in the workplace. He noted that many states have not moved forward with the legislation and speculated this could possibly be due to the information the CLC has provided to legislators. Congress has been helpful following the 2023 incident at PSSI, as legislators try to find a way to improve minor protections in the workplace. As a way to deter more violations, a group of Congress members introduced legislation to increase employer fines by nearly 10 times the current amount. 

Press the play button above to hear more about Child Labor in America.