The Ongoing Fight Against US Child Labor

Child labor law violations in the US have increased in an "alarming" manner, according to the Department of Labor. In the fiscal year 2024, there were over 4,000 infractions recorded, down from a peak of almost 5,800 in FY 2023. The increase may be due to more effective enforcement and awareness. A high-profile case of child labor at a meat production plant cleaning company contributed to the peak, with over 100 minors employed in hazardous conditions. The company paid $1.5 million in civil penalties and took steps to strengthen compliance. The meat packing industry has been notorious for employing children in hazardous conditions, with 145 compliance actions taken in FY 2023 and 2024. The hospitality industry has been the biggest violator of child labor laws, with over 1,100 compliance actions taken in the same period. Human trafficking is also intertwined with child labor, with 43 suspected cases of human trafficking of minors reported to the Department of Health and Human Services. A recent survey found that 60% of youths affected by child labor trafficking were from other countries, while 40% were from the US. The report advocated for providing vocational opportunities and safe housing for young people to prevent labor exploitation.