It may seem counterintuitive to suggest that, on (fake) Labor Day, (LETS GO MAY DAY) we devote our attention to a subset of the American population who should not be working, or at least not working in jobs that are entirely inappropriate for them. Children.

According to the Department of Labor, the number of minors involved in documented child labor violations (not including the ones that are never reported) increased a mind-boggling 472% between 2015 and 2023, with teenagers working late night shifts, too many hours and working in hazardous environments.

It's not hard to speculate that, as labor shortages have worsened in this country, employers are turning to those under 18 to fill those gaps.

It's not supposed to be this way.

Victoria Britain is back, baby! Don't let yourself get Oliver Twisted over the fact, Guv'nah! Now get out of school and get back in the factories! brandon

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[–] Wertheimer@hexbear.net 14 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (1 children)

Archive link

Sure is peculiar that the Department of Labor has all that data on child labor violations and no one ever goes to prison for it. As Graeber said, the feds just want their cut of the profits.

[–] bortsampson@hexbear.net 4 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

How does that work? Can the Department of Labor put anyone in jail? I know enron guys went to jail based on the SEC investigation. Would something similar have to happen? Like the Dept of Labor sends their investigation materials to a federal prosecutor. I just have never heard of it happening. Only stealing rich folks money seems to get you jail time. Exploiting children is a fine in the US typically.

[–] Wertheimer@hexbear.net 5 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

"The FLSA gives DOL the authority to investigate possible violations of its rules, including the power to examine an employer's records and to interview employees to determine if the employer is in compliance with the Act."

"In the case of a willful violation of the child labor rules, the FLSA provides for a fine up to $10,000. For a second offense committed after the conviction for a prior offense, a person can also be imprisoned for not more than 6 months."

https://webapps.dol.gov/elaws/whd/flsa/cl/enforcement.asp

[–] bortsampson@hexbear.net 4 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Thanks! It seems, rather weak but maybe I'm missing something here.

[–] Wertheimer@hexbear.net 5 points 2 weeks ago

We get high mandatory minimums for victimless crimes

They get low mandatory maximums for child labor

[–] Lemmygradwontallowme@hexbear.net 7 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

pronounjak luv me sum reserve army of laboUr

[–] RNAi@hexbear.net 3 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Fuck

[–] Alaskaball@hexbear.net 3 points 2 weeks ago

Yup