House Labor Leaders Request DOL Investigation Amid Resurgence of Child Labor Violations
Despite Republican inaction, Committee Democrats press forward with child labor investigation
WASHINGTON –Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) and Workforce Protections Subcommittee Ranking Member Alma Adams (NC-12) requested the Department of Labor (DOL) examine potential risks of child labor and occupational safety and health violations in youth workforce programs. Specifically, the Members raise concerns about incidents in programs authorized under the Workforce Innovation and Authorization Act (WIOA), and the school-based Work Experience and Career Explorations Programs (WECEPs), which are approved by DOL.
“The purpose of these programs is to expose children ages 14 and older to work experiences where they can gain valuable in-demand skills, but two recent cases have highlighted the possibility that children participating in them could be exposed to child labor and occupational safety and health violations,” said Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott.
In January, it was reported that a 16-year-old lost both of his legs while participating in a work-based learning program at a construction company after using hazardous equipment. In February, a nationwide contracting firm paired 14- and 15-year-old children with a local employer who allowed them to work outside of permissible hours and assigned them to operate machinery in violation of the Department's hazardous occupation rules.
“DOL’s strategic enforcement efforts to address the resurgence of child labor—despite persistent underfunding—are impressive,” wrote Ranking Member Scott. “As we continue our inquiry into child labor, we view these cases as an opportunity to explore the interrelationship between youth workforce programs, unsafe work, and oppressive child labor and the extent to which legislation may be needed.”
The request comes as part of Committee Democrats’ continued investigation into the surge of child labor violations across the country. Committee Republicans have refused to schedule any hearings focused on child labor this Congress while Republican state legislators continue to roll back child labor protections.
To read the full text of the letter, click here.
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