Labor

Iowa Governor Advocates for Leniency in Federal Child Labor Fines Amid State Law Changes

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DES MOINES, Iowa — Governor Kim Reynolds is challenging fines imposed by the U.S. Department of Labor on several Iowa businesses, which have been cited for violations of federal child labor laws. The governor is advocating for a review or renegotiation of these penalties, suggesting that the fines are overly punitive. This plea from the governor comes after a change in the state’s legislation, which Reynolds signed last year, permitting teens in Iowa to work later hours than previously allowed. The new state laws enable 14 and 15-year-olds to work until 9 p.m. on school … Read more

Shelton Floral Company Faces $1.85 Million Penalty for Labor Law Violations, Federal Court Rules

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Shelton, Washington – A federal court has ruled that a floral company based in Shelton must pay $1.85 million in penalties for violating labor laws. The court’s decision serves as a significant blow to the company, which was found guilty of numerous violations that impacted its employees. The case sheds light on the importance of upholding labor regulations and protecting workers’ rights. The ruling comes after an investigation by federal authorities revealed multiple instances of misconduct by the Shelton floral company. The violations included failure to pay employees the legally mandated minimum wage and overtime … Read more

From Labor Shortages to Child Labor Violations: States Take Divergent Paths in Updating Child Labor Laws

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Albany, New York – Child labor violations are on the rise across the United States, prompting numerous states to consider updating their child labor laws. While some states are seeking to strengthen protections for young workers, many others are attempting to weaken existing laws. The push for changes in child labor regulations comes as businesses, especially those in the service industry, have faced labor shortages since the start of the pandemic. This has led to an increase in hiring teenagers, whose wages are typically lower than those of adults. Experts in labor argue that the … Read more

Federal Judge Blocks National Labor Relations Board’s Expansion of Joint Employment Definition, Protecting Franchisor-Franchisee Relationships

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Houston, Texas – A federal judge in Texas has temporarily blocked the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) from implementing a new rule that would expand the definition of joint employment. The ruling comes one day before the rule was set to take effect. The regulation, which aimed to increase franchisors’ responsibility for labor violations committed by their franchisees and require both entities to negotiate with employee unions, was challenged in court by a coalition of business groups including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the International Franchise Association, the Restaurant Law Center, and the Texas Restaurant … Read more