Worker shortages in Florida still exist following the days of COVID-19. A remedy to help out with under-staffed jobs would be to allow working-age teenagers to earn more money and have the opportunity to work more hours.
Florida is one of at least ten states that are looking to revamp its child labor laws that have been on the books for many years.
Florida State Rep. Republican Linda Chaney’s bill, the “Employment and Curfew of Minors,” would give 16- and 17-year-olds the opportunity to work longer hours and receive a larger paycheck by allowing them to work longer than the current 30 hours a week and increase it to 40. They could also work eight hours per day, including school days.
Chaney’s proposal does away with restrictions on homeschooled students, virtual students, and dropouts. It also bypasses local curfews cities have in place for young people.
But Florida Democrats and union groups oppose the legislation, claiming it could put younger workers in dangerous positions at certain workplaces like construction projects.
One of the groups against Chaney’s bill is the Florida Policy Institute.
They say that 100 other advocacy groups are pressuring lawmakers to reject the child labor bills. “Overworking teens and denying them breaks” is not the answer to labor shortages that have affected industries like construction and hospitality,” said the Institute.
But Democrats and groups opposing this proposal are overblowing this issue. For years, many businesses have implemented their safety regulations to avoid accidents among workers and customers. Employers have always tried to custom fit a work schedule for young teenagers involved with sports, church, and school.
Listening to liberals’ overreaction to this bill makes it sound like local businesses would force younger workers (especially those who are already employed) into sweatshops like 3rd world countries.
“Expand the hours, let young work. Help them understand the value of earning money and why limit a young person on how much they could make when they are looking at purchasing certain items like a car or want to save money for college,” said Financial Analyst Steve Beaman.
Child labor laws have outlived their purpose in today’s age. Times have changed. If companies try to take advantage of younger workers, then those employees will leave that job and find another.
Democrats need to stop acting like the government is the answer and let the private sector handle these issues. There are still laws in effect dealing with workplace issues, and employees can find recourse if something goes wrong.
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