"Changes to child labor laws hurt farmers."

[dainerra]

I haven't seen any trouble with minimum wage or child labor laws making it hard for teens to get jobs?

Now, the current economy HAS made it harder, because the "teen" jobs are being picked up by unemployed adults. Again, though,that has nothing to do with child labor laws.
My daughter is 16, turned her volunteer position at the library into a paying job. She is doing something she loves and earns good money at it.

The changes don't affect children working on their family farm or children working other jobs. I know a lot of farmers who take horrible advantage of their teen employees. I know a lot of retail places who do as well. Farming can be very dangerous work for adults, let alone teens with no experience. Again, though, this isn't going to affect kids who grow up working with their parents, but those who go work for others who might not have their best interests in mind. Who might not make sure that the kids are able or trained to run farm machinery and are interested only in the fact that teens make for cheaper labor than adults.

 

[Stephanie739]

Only in the land of the "free"....

 

[Stephanie739]

Quote:
Because it is the parent's job to look out for the kids, not the government's.

 

[dainerra]

so, in the land of the free, it is an employer's right to take advantage of unknowing teens? To not train them to use heavy machinery that can lead to their death? To cut corners because teens are less likely to complain or to be able to take recourse?

Sorry, but it's because of a few bad apples that these laws are required. Kids aren't being stopped from getting jobs. Sorry, but I don't see a problem with it.

 

[aoxa]

Just another downhill spiral waiting to happen to today's youth. They already lack the work ethic as it is..

ETA: If they are taking advantage, I can see it.. But if the parents approve of their job, why does the government need to take things into their own hands.

My father worked at a farm from ages 5 - adulthood. Not his parents' farm, but his uncles. He is a great man because of it.

 

[dainerra]

Quote:
so the parent should follow the kid to work every day? Or if the kid gets hurt, to find out "oh well there is no requirement to train the kid"

How about we don't require teens to pass a driving test After all, there parents should look out for them and make sure that they are safe drivers.
Or require that they attend school? Their parents can make sure that they learn everything that they need

 

[Stephanie739]

Quote:
Please...when was the last time you heard of a child dying while working on a farm? It is the parents responsibility to watch out for their children, not the government's. We can agree to disagree. Thanks!

 

[Stephanie739]

Quote:
so the parent should follow the kid to work every day? Or if the kid gets hurt, to find out "oh well there is no requirement to train the kid"

How about we don't require teens to pass a driving test After all, there parents should look out for them and make sure that they are safe drivers.
Or require that they attend school? Their parents can make sure that they learn everything that they need

I would know what kind of work my child was doing if she were allowed to get a job (which she wants) I will be teaching her to drive as soon as she is legally able to obtain a learners permit. And she is home schooled. Thanks!

 

[Capvin]

Yes, as a parent I believe that I should make all the decisions regarding my children. So, I approve of their working in a coal mine or grain elevator for less then minimum wage when they are 10 years old. Then, when they die or are severly injured I can then say, "why didnt my government do more to protect my children." If you believe the article from the Tonawanda Press (a highly respected and legitimate media outlet) then you should be concerned more about your own suseptibility to being convinced of nonsense then about the child labor laws. Cupman pointed out the legitimate and unbiased article concerning the subject matter and for the life of me I can not see any real problems in what the Dept of Labor is suggesting. The only governments in the entire world that does not have similar laws to protect children are really bad third world countires or India that believes in a caste system and has no prob;lem with the lower class children dying off early.

 

[Linn Bee]

This law doesn't apply to children working on their family farm. It does apply to children who want to help out at grandpa's or at a neighbor's, uncle's, or aunt's farm.

Yes, there are exceptions in every group, but as a rule, we all know how likely it is that Grandpa will take advantage of their grandchild and set them at all the dangerous farm tasks with no training or supervision. Shameless! Not to mention all the farmers who are hoping their young workers are taken out of the gene pool on their property while employed.

Like so many "Nanny" laws, this issue should be a matter between parents, farmers, and the young workers. There are already child labor laws that cover the issue of youth in dangerous work conditions.

Yes, accidents happen. Each and every one is a real tragedy. And yes, it seems far worse when the victim is so young. But I am so tired of hearing that pap "If it saves one child's life it's worth it!"

Get rid of cars if saving a child's life is the Prime Directive. Lots of other everyday activities are dangerous at some point in time. Start doling 3 squares a day in a padded room to everyone or consider getting out of our everyday lives.

Love, Linn B (aka Smart Red) Gardening zone 5a - 4b in south-est, central-est Wisconsin