Child Labor in the United States is Rising
Why the illegal practice by billion-dollar corporations is bound to worsen
You might assume that child labor was eradicated in the United States long ago or that it's a problem confined to more impoverished regions of the world. Unfortunately, that's not the reality. Child labor is on the rise right here at home, unfolding before our very eyes.
Last year, the Department of Labor (DOL) discovered alarming instances of child labor in 16 McDonald's franchise locations across Louisiana and Texas. Children as young as 14 were found operating dangerous equipment and toiling long hours. Even more distressing, two 10-year-olds were found working without pay until the early hours at a McDonald's in Louisville, Kentucky, performing various tasks from meal preparation to manning the cash register.
But these cases are just the tip of the iceberg. The problem persists despite federal regulations like the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which sets minimum employment ages and restricts minors' hours. In fiscal year 2022, the DOL's Wage and Hour Division identified 688 children employed illegally in hazardous jobs, marking the highest annual figure in over a decade.
So, what's driving this troubling trend? With unemployment at record lows, employers struggle to fill positions, particularly in low-wage sectors. This tight labor market has led some businesses to exploit the cheapest available labor, including vulnerable populations like unaccompanied minors or the children of immigrants.
Moreover, the consequences for violating child labor laws often amount to mere slaps on the wrist for billion-dollar corporations. Despite issuing millions of dollars in fines, these penalties pale compared to corporate profits. Even major players like fast-food chains and meatpacking plants view fines as just another cost of doing business.
The roots of this issue can be traced back to the 1970s when companies prioritized profit margins over ethical employment practices. Unfortunately, the problem shows no signs of abating.
In recent years, numerous states have rolled back child labor protections, further exacerbating the issue. Bills extending work hours for minors, relaxing restrictions on hazardous work, and introducing sub-minimum wages have been proposed or enacted in at least 14 states. This legislative trend underscores a broader indifference to the well-being of children in pursuit of profit.
While proponents of these bills (who incidentally claim that extending child labor working hours cuts down on screentime!) may argue for addressing border security, the fundamental issue remains the prioritization of profits over the welfare of children. We must address this systemic problem and strive for a society where the exploitation of children for economic gain is not tolerated.
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