LANSING, Mich. Senate Passes Legislation Prioritizing Safety of Young Workforce
Introduction
Today, the Senate passed legislation prioritizing the safety of Michigan’s young workforce and reforming Michigan’s child labor laws. Senate Bills 963–965, sponsored by Sens. Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit), Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Twp.) and Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton), aim to increase penalties and fines for businesses found employing minors illegally or putting them in unsafe working conditions. The legislation also transfers the authority to issue work permits for minors from the Michigan Dept. of Education to the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO).
Registration and Compliance
The bills require minors and employers to be registered with LEO. Potential employers must comply with the state’s youth employment standards and obtain authorization from LEO before a minor begins working. LEO has the authority to grant exceptions to these standards, but parents will have the ability to object to any special conditions requested by the employer. LEO cannot approve these conditions without parental consent.
Protecting Young Workers
“Employment opportunities for young Michiganders are a valuable way to gain employment experience, develop life skills, and earn a paycheck. These opportunities should not, however, come at the cost of the health and safety — or, in the worst cases, the lives — of our youth workers,” said Sen. Santana. “By passing these bills, we are taking a firm step toward ensuring that our young workers can pursue these benefits in safe, fair conditions.”
Exploitation and Justice
“Nowhere in our state should we have children exploited for economic gain,” said Sen. Cavanagh. “As we see systems that were meant to safeguard our children fall short, we must do everything in our power to build up these protections and prioritize the well-being of young Michiganders. By strengthening our child labor laws and ensuring businesses who seek to violate them face justice, we are making clear that here in Michigan, the health and safety of our children comes before a profit margin.”
Penalties and Fines
- For the first offense, a one-year misdemeanor and/or a fine up to $5,000;
- For the second offense, a two-year felony and/or a fine up to $25,000;
- For the third or subsequent offense, a five-year felony and/or a fine up to $50,000.
Furthermore, the bills introduce harsher penalties for cases where a minor is killed or severely injured while working in violation of the state’s standards. The employer would face a felony charge and a fine between $50,000 and $500,000. The first offense would result in a five-year felony, the second offense in a 10-year felony, and a third or subsequent offense in a 20-year felony.
Conclusion
The bills are now moved to the House for further consideration.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The article discusses legislation aimed at prioritizing the safety of Michigan’s young workforce and reforming child labor laws. This aligns with SDG 8, which focuses on promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment, and decent work for all. It also connects to SDG 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor.
- SDG 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
The article highlights the legislation’s aim to increase penalties and fines for businesses found employing minors illegally or putting them in unsafe working conditions. This aligns with SDG 8.7, which targets the eradication of forced labor, modern slavery, and the worst forms of child labor. Additionally, the legislation transfers the authority to issue work permits for minors from the Michigan Dept. of Education to the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity, promoting equal access to justice and effective institutions (SDG 16.3).
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Number of businesses found employing minors illegally or putting them in unsafe working conditions.
- Number of penalties and fines imposed on businesses violating child labor laws.
- Number of work permits issued by the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
- Number of cases where minors are killed or severely injured while working in violation of the state’s standards.
The article mentions that the legislation increases penalties for employers violating the Michigan Youth Employment Standards Act and introduces harsher penalties for cases where a minor is killed or severely injured while working in violation of the state’s standards. These indicators can be used to measure progress towards the targets of eradicating child labor and promoting equal access to justice.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor. |
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| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all. |
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Source: senatedems.com
