Alert! The attack on parental rights and child labor law in Wisconsin is getting a vote tomorrow, Tuesday, May 2, in the Wisconsin Assembly.
Introduced by Rep. Amy Loudenbeck (R- Clinton) and Sen. Kapenga (R-Delafield), Assembly Bill 25 and Senate Bill 11 will completely eliminate the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) permit process currently required for children aged 16 and 17 entering the workforce.
This bill removes needed oversight and seriously weakens Wisconsin’s strong child labor laws which are in place to protect the life, health, safety and welfare of children. The child labor rollback undermines parental rights by eliminating the requirement for moms and dads to approve their kid's work schedule and other workplace conditions.
The bill eliminates parental sign off for children 16 and 17 years old, giving employers direct access to child labor. Supporters of the bill claim that the signature requirement is a hurdle that keeps some kids out of the workforce. In reality, if no parent or guardian is available, a DWD officer can sign off for a child worker. These officers are funded by a $10 permit fee paid by the employer. A portion of the fee also goes to the state’s General Treasury. By eliminating this fee, Republicans are cutting funding for the enforcement of child labor laws and at a time when every penny counts needlessly reducing state revenue.
The permit process is an essential safeguard that lets child workers and their parent or guardian know their rights under the law and how the workplace is regulated for those under 18. It is an important protection against exploitation by unscrupulous employers.
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