WASHINGTON — In an effort to address growing concerns over child labor violations, federal and state labor authorities announced a new “joint strategic enforcement initiative” on Tuesday. This move, spearheaded by the U.S. Wage and Hour Division along with various state Departments of Labor and Workforce Development, aims to clamp down on illegal employment practices, particularly those that involve minors engaging in dangerous work that violates federal and state laws.
The focus on hazardous occupations stems from a noticeable spike in the employment of minors in roles that are deemed too perilous and are, therefore, restricted by law. These prohibited positions include operating heavy machinery like forklifts and backhoes, working with power-driven equipment such as meat slicers and metalworking machines, and tasks involving roofing or demolition.
Recent federal investigations have revealed alarming statistics: in the fiscal year 2023 alone, 955 violations were recorded, implicating the safety of 5,792 minors — 502 of whom were found working in these dangerous jobs illegally. The government has responded with force, levying over $8 million in penalties against non-compliant employers.
This initiative isn’t solely about penalties and prosecutions. Education and outreach play crucial roles in this expansive effort. Authorities intend to increase awareness among employers and young workers alike about the rules governing child labor and the risks associated with violating them.
Robert Asaro-Angelo, the Commissioner of New Jersey’s Department of Labor, emphasized the commitment to young workers’ safety. “Along with our partners at the U.S. Department of Labor,” he said, “we are firmly committed to protecting the Garden State’s young workers from unlawful, illegal and hazardous working conditions.”
In 2022 alone, an estimated 70,000 minors were employed by private for-profit entities in New Jersey, highlighting the significant role young individuals play in the local economy and underscoring the importance of stringent oversight to prevent abuse and exploitation.
The partnership between federal and state agencies signifies a dual approach of proactive investigation and preventive education, hoping to foster safer work environments for young workers across the nation.
Further resources and detailed information about specific prohibitions and rights regarding child labor can be accessed through the U.S. Department of Labor’s website and the corresponding state-run portals. These platforms also guide minors and their employers on how to legally obtain work permits, ensuring compliance with labor laws designed to protect younger individuals in the workforce.
As this initiative moves forward, both federal and state officials remain vigilant, aiming not only to enforce the law but also to educate and ultimately reduce the number of young people placed in hazardous work situations illegally. By tightening enforcement and expanding awareness, they hope to offer a safer, more just working environment for all workers, particularly the most vulnerable.