Labor & Employment Law

Missouri Senator Wants to Eliminate Child Labor Laws, Really

By Mike Hall

I have been writing about politics and legislation from a workers? viewpoint for the better part of three decades. I still get angry and my blood pressure jumps when politicians come after workers and unions with the same old lies and bull crap that we are seeing today in states across the country. Just check out here, here and here what?s happening in Wisconsin.

But there isn?t much that surprises me anymore, let alone shocks me. Well, today, I?m shocked.  Missouri State Sen. Jane Cunningham (R) has introduced a bill to minimize child labor laws. I could find all kinds of colorful words and descriptions to show just how crazed and outrageous is S.B. 222.

But let?s just use the official summary of the bill from the Missouri state Senate website and if you don?t believe me, click here and read it yourself.

• This act modifies the child labor laws.
• It eliminates the prohibition on employment of children under age fourteen.
• Restrictions on the number of hours and restrictions on when a child may work during the day are also removed.
• It also repeals the requirement that a child ages fourteen or fifteen obtain a work certificate or work permit in order to be employed.
• Children under sixteen will also be allowed to work in any capacity in a motel, resort or hotel where sleeping accommodations are furnished.
• It also removes the authority of the director of the Division of Labor Standards to inspect employers who employ children and to require them to keep certain records for children they employ.
• It also repeals the presumption that the presence of a child in a workplace is evidence of employment. 

 This is absolutely insane.

Full post as published by AFL-CIO NOW BLOG on February 14, 2011 (boomark / email).