So far in 2024, eight U.S. states have passed legislation rolling back child labor protections. This is happening despite the rise in child labor violations across the country. This increase has prompted senior members of Congress to ask the acting Secretary of Labor for information and data on child labor violations and protections in federally subsidized youth work programs. This request aims to ensure federal funds are not facilitating child labor exploitation and abuse.

Seeking answers on surge in “oppressive child labor”

Between 2019 and 2023, the U.S. Department of Labor reported an 88% increase in child labor violations with several state labor departments also reporting a violations surge. The underlying spark for the letter from lawmakers is the reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). As part of the reauthorization, several business groups want to remove language that prevents employers who violate child labor laws from receiving federal funds, setting off alarm bells for some legislators.

As reported by the Guardian, Congressional representatives Bobby Scott and Alma Adams said in the letter:

“Our central question is whether DOL currently has sufficient tools at its disposal to ensure that children can participate in such programs free from oppressive child labor and unsafe working conditions.”

Elected officials have been raising the alarm about the rise in child labor violations. But so far, their alarm has fallen on deaf ears. They continue to face resistance from fellow lawmakers for a bipartisan hearing to find solutions and strengthen protections for minors.

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