OPINION: Republicans have a new idea to fix the labor shortage: Loosen child labor laws

[Sherman A1]

By TRISH ROONEY and BRETT BACHMAN

Republican-controlled legislatures in several states have come up with a novel way to stem the effects of an ongoing labor shortage: loosen child labor laws governing the number of hours and times that teenagers are allowed to work.

It’s not exactly a new strategy. Businesses hiring minimum-wage employees across the country have advertised their use of teenagers to plug the holes in their workforce for months, especially fast-food chains like Chipotle, Burger King and McDonalds, among others. Seasonal work in tourism-heavy industries like amusement parks have also doubled-down on the strategy.

But at least two states, Wisconsin and Ohio, are now pushing for new laws that would allow 14- and 15-year-olds to work longer hours — the most brazen attempts to expand American businesses’ use of teenage labor in decades.

https://labortribune.com/opinion-republicans-have-a-new-idea-to-fix-the-labor-shortage-loosen-child-labor-laws/

[tblue37]

1. Anything to avoid paying a fair wage and creating decent working conditions.

[LastLiberal in PalmSprings]

2. It's time to organize the kids.

I'm sure the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) would be happy to recruit new members.

Business owners will probably have the small kids squeeze into tight spaces, like they did before labor laws made it illegal.

[Desert grandma]

3. I have a better idea.

Vet every immigrant requesting asylum and give those capable of working a a work visa. I will bet that the labor shortage will suddenly disappear. With a work visa, they can also be tracked. Many are here requesting asylum because of corruption, gangs, and economic conditions in their home countries. I think that those that want to work should be able to since there are so many jobs going unfilled.